The answer is that YANG is the data modeling language that defines the structure of configuration and state data for NETCONF, which uses XML as its data encoding format. This is correct because YANG (RFC 7950) provides a hierarchical, schema-based representation of network device data, allowing NETCONF to reliably manipulate that data through operations like get, edit-config, and RPCs. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this relationship is frequently tested to ensure you understand that YANG models the data, while NETCONF transports it—a common trap is confusing YANG with a protocol or thinking it dictates the transport method. Remember that YANG is the blueprint, NETCONF is the builder using XML bricks. A helpful memory tip: YANG defines the "what" (data structure), NETCONF handles the "how" (XML encoding and transport).
350-401 Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 TWO statements about NETCONF and YANG are true?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
YANG is a data modeling language used to define the structure of configuration and state data
Option D is correct because YANG (RFC 7950) is a data modeling language specifically designed to define the structure of configuration and state data, as well as notifications and RPCs, for network devices. It provides a hierarchical, schema-based representation of data that can be serialized into XML or JSON, making it the standard for modeling NETCONF and RESTCONF datastores.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
NETCONF sessions are stateless
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF sessions are stateful; they maintain a connection and a session ID.
✗
YANG defines both the data model and the RPC operations for network devices
Why it's wrong here
YANG defines data models; RPCs are defined separately (e.g., in YANG also, but not exclusively).
✗
NETCONF uses TLS as the mandatory transport protocol
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF uses SSH as the mandatory transport; TLS is optional.
✓
YANG is a data modeling language used to define the structure of configuration and state data
Why this is correct
YANG models the data that NETCONF retrieves and modifies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
NETCONF uses XML as the data encoding format
Why this is correct
NETCONF encodes configuration data and operations in XML.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing YANG's role in defining data models with NETCONF's role in defining transport and RPC operations, leading candidates to incorrectly select Option B, while also mistaking NETCONF's mandatory SSH transport for TLS.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, NETCONF uses a remote procedure call (RPC) paradigm where each operation (e.g., <get-config>, <edit-config>) is encoded in XML and exchanged over a secure, stateful session. YANG models are compiled into a schema that defines leafs, containers, lists, and constraints (e.g., mandatory, range), which NETCONF uses to validate data before committing changes. In real-world scenarios, operators use YANG models like 'ietf-interfaces' to standardize interface configuration across multivendor devices, ensuring that a NETCONF <edit-config> operation with XML payloads adheres to the same schema regardless of the vendor.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: YANG is a data modeling language used to define the structure of configuration and state data — Option D is correct because YANG (RFC 7950) is a data modeling language specifically designed to define the structure of configuration and state data, as well as notifications and RPCs, for network devices. It provides a hierarchical, schema-based representation of data that can be serialized into XML or JSON, making it the standard for modeling NETCONF and RESTCONF datastores.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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