The correct answer is modularity, as the principle being violated occurs when a function modifies a global variable instead of returning a value. Modularity demands that functions be self-contained and operate only on their own inputs and outputs, avoiding reliance on or alteration of external state; this keeps code predictable, testable, and easier to debug. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic software design, often appearing in code review scenarios where a function’s side effects break its independence. A common trap is confusing modularity with encapsulation—encapsulation hides data, but modularity focuses on keeping functions isolated from global scope. To remember, think of a modular function as a “black box”: it takes something in, gives something out, and never touches the outside world.
FC0-U61 Software Development Concepts Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of software development concepts. 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.
During a code review, a team notices that a function modifies a global variable instead of returning a value. Which software development principle is being violated?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modularity
Option C is correct because functions should ideally be self-contained and not rely on external state (modularity). Option A (encapsulation) is about hiding data; Option B (polymorphism) is about behaving differently based on type; Option D (inheritance) is about class hierarchies.
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.
✗
Encapsulation
Why it's wrong here
Encapsulation hides internal state, but here the function is changing global state, which is not encapsulation violation per se.
✗
Polymorphism
Why it's wrong here
Polymorphism allows methods to have different implementations; not directly related.
✓
Modularity
Why this is correct
Modularity emphasizes that functions should be independent and avoid global side effects.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Inheritance
Why it's wrong here
Inheritance is about classes deriving from others; not relevant.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Software Development Concepts — This question tests Software Development Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modularity — Option C is correct because functions should ideally be self-contained and not rely on external state (modularity). Option A (encapsulation) is about hiding data; Option B (polymorphism) is about behaving differently based on type; Option D (inheritance) is about class hierarchies.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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