Quick Answer
The answer is `python -c "import requests; print(requests.__file__)"`, because every imported Python module stores its absolute file path in the built-in `__file__` attribute. When you run this one-liner, Python first loads the `requests` module, then immediately prints the exact location of its `.py` or `.pyc` file on your system—whether it’s in a virtual environment, the global site-packages, or a user-specific directory. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this question tests your understanding of module introspection and how Python resolves imports at runtime, a concept that often appears alongside questions about `sys.path` and the import system. A common trap is confusing `pip show requests` (which shows metadata) with the actual file path; the exam expects you to know that `__file__` is the definitive source for the installation location. Memory tip: think of `__file__` as the module’s “home address”—once imported, it always tells you where it lives.
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of modules and packages. 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 developer runs pip install requests. Later, they need to find out where the module is installed on the system. Which command shows the location?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
python -c "print(requests.__path__)"
Why wrong: __path__ is for packages, not simple modules.
pip list --path
Why wrong: pip list --path does not exist.
python -c "import requests; print(requests.__file__)"
__file__ contains the path of the module.
pip show requests
Why wrong: Shows metadata but not the install path directly.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
python -c "import requests; print(requests.__file__)"
Option C is correct because after importing a module in Python, its `__file__` attribute contains the absolute path to the module's `.py` file (or compiled `.pyc` file). The command `python -c "import requests; print(requests.__file__)"` first imports the module, then prints the location where Python found it, which is the exact installation path on the system.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
python -c "print(requests.__path__)"
Why it's wrong here
__path__ is for packages, not simple modules.
pip list --path
Why it's wrong here
pip list --path does not exist.
python -c "import requests; print(requests.__file__)"
Why this is correct
__file__ contains the path of the module.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
pip show requests
Why it's wrong here
Shows metadata but not the install path directly.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between module attributes (`__file__`) and package attributes (`__path__`), and the trap here is that candidates confuse `pip show` (which shows metadata) with a command that reveals the filesystem location.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows metadata but not the install path directly.
Detailed technical explanation
The `__file__` attribute is set by the Python import system when a module is loaded from a file; for built-in modules (e.g., `sys`), `__file__` may be `None` or point to a shared library. In real-world debugging, knowing the exact path helps resolve issues like multiple Python environments or conflicting package versions, especially when using virtual environments or system-wide installations.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Modules and Packages — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Modules and Packages practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PCAP questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
PCAP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Modules and Packages.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Strings.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Object-Oriented Programming.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Exceptions and File I/O.
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP fundamentals.
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP scenario.
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Modules and Packages — This question tests Modules and Packages — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: python -c "import requests; print(requests.__file__)" — Option C is correct because after importing a module in Python, its `__file__` attribute contains the absolute path to the module's `.py` file (or compiled `.pyc` file). The command `python -c "import requests; print(requests.__file__)"` first imports the module, then prints the location where Python found it, which is the exact installation path on the system.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This PCAP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute 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 PCAP exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.