FC0-U71 Software Development Concepts Practice Question
A mobile app needs to display weather data from an online service. The app sends HTTP requests and receives responses in JSON format. This communication is made possible by a set of rules and protocols that allow the app and the service to interact. This set of rules is called a(n):
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the definition of API versus other computing concepts — candidates confuse API with data structures or algorithms because they all involve 'rules' or 'organization'.
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
✓
API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. In this scenario, the mobile app uses HTTP requests to interact with the weather service's API, which defines the endpoints, request formats, and JSON response structures. The API abstracts the underlying service implementation, enabling standardized data exchange.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Data structure
Why it's wrong here
A data structure is an in-memory arrangement such as an array or tree, not a communication convention. It is tempting because JSON payloads are parsed into structures, but the stem asks for the rules governing interaction between app and service, which is a protocol, not a storage format.
- ✓
API
Why this is correct
An API is the defined set of rules and protocols governing how one piece of software requests data from another. Here it governs the app's HTTP requests and the JSON responses returned by the weather service, enabling their interaction.
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SDLC
Why it's wrong here
The SDLC is a project management framework covering requirements, design, build and maintenance phases. It is tempting because it structures software delivery, but it governs development process, not runtime message exchange. The stem describes HTTP request-response rules, which constitute a protocol.
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Algorithm
Why it's wrong here
An algorithm is a finite sequence of computational steps producing a result, such as sorting or searching. It is tempting because apps process JSON via code, but an algorithm performs calculation rather than defining message formats and exchange rules between two systems, which is a protocol's role.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 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-U71 exam.