- A
Using functions helps avoid code duplication and improves script maintainability.
Correct because functions encapsulate reusable logic, reducing duplication and making scripts easier to maintain.
- B
The os module is used to parse JSON data from network device responses.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the os module provides operating system interfaces (e.g., file paths, environment variables); JSON parsing is done with the json module.
- C
The json module is used to convert JSON strings to Python dictionaries.
Correct because json.loads() converts a JSON string into a Python dictionary, which is common when working with REST API responses.
- D
The csv module is used to parse JSON data from network devices.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the csv module handles comma-separated values, not JSON; JSON parsing requires the json module.
- E
The re module is useful for extracting specific patterns from device show command output.
Correct because the re module provides regular expression support, which is commonly used to parse and extract data from CLI outputs.
Quick Answer
The correct answer identifies that the re module is useful for extracting specific patterns from device show command output, alongside the truths that functions promote code reuse and readability and the json module is essential for parsing JSON responses from REST APIs. These three statements are accurate because Python functions encapsulate logic into reusable blocks, which is critical when writing scalable network automation scripts, while the json module directly handles the structured data returned by modern network devices via REST APIs, and the re module provides pattern-matching capabilities to parse unstructured text from CLI outputs like 'show ip interface brief'. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of which Python standard library modules serve specific automation tasks—a common trap is confusing the csv or os modules for JSON parsing, when in fact json.loads() is the correct method. Remember the mnemonic “FJR” for Functions, JSON, and Regex to recall the three correct choices.
350-401 Python for Network Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which three statements about Python functions and modules for network automation are true? (Choose three.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Using functions helps avoid code duplication and improves script maintainability.
Correct answers: A, C, and E. A is correct because functions promote code reuse and readability by encapsulating logic. C is correct because the json module is essential for parsing JSON responses from REST APIs. E is correct because the re module allows pattern matching in device outputs, such as parsing 'show' command results. B is incorrect because the os module is for operating system interactions, not for parsing JSON. D is incorrect because the csv module is for reading/writing CSV files, not for parsing JSON.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Using functions helps avoid code duplication and improves script maintainability.
Why this is correct
Correct because functions encapsulate reusable logic, reducing duplication and making scripts easier to maintain.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
The os module is used to parse JSON data from network device responses.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the os module provides operating system interfaces (e.g., file paths, environment variables); JSON parsing is done with the json module.
- ✓
The json module is used to convert JSON strings to Python dictionaries.
- ✗
The csv module is used to parse JSON data from network devices.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the csv module handles comma-separated values, not JSON; JSON parsing requires the json module.
- ✓
The re module is useful for extracting specific patterns from device show command output.
Why this is correct
Correct because the re module provides regular expression support, which is commonly used to parse and extract data from CLI outputs.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Python for Network Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Using functions helps avoid code duplication and improves script maintainability. — Correct answers: A, C, and E. A is correct because functions promote code reuse and readability by encapsulating logic. C is correct because the json module is essential for parsing JSON responses from REST APIs. E is correct because the re module allows pattern matching in device outputs, such as parsing 'show' command results. B is incorrect because the os module is for operating system interactions, not for parsing JSON. D is incorrect because the csv module is for reading/writing CSV files, not for parsing JSON.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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