Quick Answer
The answer is A reprA. This output occurs because Python’s print function implicitly calls the __str__ method on an object, which returns 'A', while the built-in repr function explicitly invokes the __repr__ method, returning 'reprA'. The __str__ vs __repr__ difference is a core concept tested on the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, often appearing in questions that assess your understanding of object representation and the distinction between user-friendly and developer-facing output. A common trap is assuming print always uses __repr__, but print prioritizes __str__; if __str__ is missing, it falls back to __repr__. For the exam, remember the mnemonic: __str__ is for “string for users” (readable), __repr__ is for “representation for developers” (unambiguous).
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. 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.
Consider the following code snippet: class A: def __str__(self): return 'A'; def __repr__(self): return 'reprA'; a = A(); print(a); print(repr(a)). What is the output?
A reprA
Correct: __str__ for print, __repr__ for repr().
reprA A
Why wrong: Order is reversed.
reprA reprA
Why wrong: print uses __str__.
A A
Why wrong: repr would also use __str__ if __repr__ is not defined, but here it is defined.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A reprA
Option A is correct because the `print(a)` statement calls the `__str__` method, which returns 'A', while `print(repr(a))` calls the `__repr__` method, which returns 'reprA'. The output is therefore 'A' followed by 'reprA' on the same line (since print adds a newline after each call).
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.
A reprA
Why this is correct
Correct: __str__ for print, __repr__ for repr().
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
reprA A
Why it's wrong here
Order is reversed.
reprA reprA
Why it's wrong here
print uses __str__.
A A
Why it's wrong here
repr would also use __str__ if __repr__ is not defined, but here it is defined.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the difference between `__str__` and `__repr__` by having both defined in a class, and the trap here is that candidates may assume `print()` always uses `__repr__` or confuse the output order of the two print statements.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, `__str__` is meant for informal, human-readable string representation (used by `print()` and `str()`), while `__repr__` is for unambiguous, developer-oriented representation (used by `repr()` and in interactive mode). If `__str__` is not defined, Python falls back to `__repr__`, but here both are defined, so each is used as intended. This distinction is critical for debugging and logging in real-world applications.
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
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FAQ
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: A reprA — Option A is correct because the `print(a)` statement calls the `__str__` method, which returns 'A', while `print(repr(a))` calls the `__repr__` method, which returns 'reprA'. The output is therefore 'A' followed by 'reprA' on the same line (since print adds a newline after each call).
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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