The correct answer is "No file found." This output occurs because the try-except block catches the FileNotFoundError from the first open attempt on 'data.txt', executes the print statement, and then the subsequent open attempt on 'backup.txt' inside the except block raises another unhandled FileNotFoundError—but the print has already run, so that is the only visible output before the program terminates. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this question tests your understanding of exception handling output flow when an unhandled exception occurs after an except block; the common trap is assuming the second error prevents any output, when in fact the print executes first. A key memory tip: think of the except block as a "last chance to speak" before the program crashes—any code before the unhandled error still runs.
PCAP Exceptions and File I/O Practice Question
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of exceptions and file i/o. 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.
Exhibit
try:
with open('data.txt') as f:
print(f.read())
except FileNotFoundError:
try:
with open('backup.txt') as f:
print(f.read())
except FileNotFoundError:
print('No file found')
Refer to the exhibit. If both data.txt and backup.txt do not exist, what is the output?
try:
with open('data.txt') as f:
print(f.read())
except FileNotFoundError:
try:
with open('backup.txt') as f:
print(f.read())
except FileNotFoundError:
print('No file found')
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
'No file found'
Option D is correct because the code uses a try-except block to catch FileNotFoundError when attempting to open 'data.txt'. In the except block, it prints 'No file found' and then attempts to open 'backup.txt'. Since both files do not exist, the except block executes and prints 'No file found' before the second open attempt raises another FileNotFoundError, which is unhandled and terminates the program. However, the question asks for the output, which is the print statement executed before the error.
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.
✗
Prints contents of backup.txt
Why it's wrong here
backup.txt does not exist.
✗
Nothing
Why it's wrong here
Print statement executes.
✗
FileNotFoundError
Why it's wrong here
Exception is caught, not raised.
✓
'No file found'
Why this is correct
Correct output from inner except.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the distinction between output produced before an unhandled exception and the exception itself, tricking candidates into thinking the program crashes without any output.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The code demonstrates exception handling with a try-except block that catches FileNotFoundError (a subclass of OSError) for the first file open. If the first file is missing, the except block prints a message and then attempts to open a second file without any exception handling, causing an unhandled FileNotFoundError that propagates to the default exception handler. In real-world scenarios, this pattern is used for fallback file access, but proper nesting or multiple except blocks are needed to handle all potential failures gracefully.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Exceptions and File I/O — This question tests Exceptions and File I/O — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 'No file found' — Option D is correct because the code uses a try-except block to catch FileNotFoundError when attempting to open 'data.txt'. In the except block, it prints 'No file found' and then attempts to open 'backup.txt'. Since both files do not exist, the except block executes and prints 'No file found' before the second open attempt raises another FileNotFoundError, which is unhandled and terminates the program. However, the question asks for the output, which is the print statement executed before the error.
What should I do if I get this PCAP 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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Question Discussion
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