- A
GraphQL API
Why wrong: GraphQL uses queries and is not necessarily RESTful.
- B
WebSocket
Why wrong: WebSocket is a protocol for bidirectional communication, not typical for simple data retrieval.
- C
REST API
REST APIs use HTTP and JSON, with API keys for auth.
- D
SOAP API
Why wrong: SOAP uses XML and different standards.
FC0-U61 Software Development Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of software development. 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.
A mobile app developer wants to integrate weather data into an app. The developer uses an HTTP request to a web service that returns JSON data. The web service requires an API key in the request header for authentication. What is this web service an example of?
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
REST API
This web service is a REST API because it uses HTTP requests to access and manipulate resources, returns data in JSON format, and requires an API key in the request header for authentication. REST APIs are stateless and rely on standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.), making them ideal for integrating external data like weather information into mobile apps.
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.
- ✗
GraphQL API
Why it's wrong here
GraphQL uses queries and is not necessarily RESTful.
- ✗
WebSocket
Why it's wrong here
WebSocket is a protocol for bidirectional communication, not typical for simple data retrieval.
- ✓
REST API
- ✗
SOAP API
Why it's wrong here
SOAP uses XML and different standards.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between REST and SOAP by focusing on data format (JSON vs. XML) and authentication simplicity (API keys vs. WS-Security), leading candidates to confuse REST with GraphQL due to both using JSON, but GraphQL is a query language, not a service architecture.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
REST APIs leverage HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and status codes (e.g., 200 OK, 401 Unauthorized) to manage resources, with authentication often handled via the Authorization header using Bearer tokens or API keys. In practice, weather services like OpenWeatherMap or WeatherAPI use REST endpoints (e.g., GET /data/2.5/weather) with an API key as a query parameter or header, returning JSON that the app parses to display current conditions. The stateless nature of REST means each request must contain all necessary information, including the API key, which is why it's placed in the header.
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 FC0-U61 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this FC0-U61 question test?
Software Development — This question tests Software Development — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: REST API — This web service is a REST API because it uses HTTP requests to access and manipulate resources, returns data in JSON format, and requires an API key in the request header for authentication. REST APIs are stateless and rely on standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.), making them ideal for integrating external data like weather information into mobile apps.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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