This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of modules and packages. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
```
# file: mypackage/__init__.py
from . import module1
from .module2 import func2
__all__ = ['module1', 'func2']
```
```
# file: mypackage/module2.py
def func2():
print('func2')
```
```python
>>> from mypackage import *
>>> dir()
['__builtins__', ...]
```
Given the exhibit, why does `dir()` show no names from `mypackage` after executing `from mypackage import *`?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The `__all__` variable is defined as an empty list, so `from mypackage import *` imports nothing.
Option D is correct because when a package defines `__all__` as an empty list in its `__init__.py`, the `from mypackage import *` statement imports nothing. The `__all__` variable explicitly controls which names are exported by `import *`, and an empty list means no names are imported. This is a deliberate design to prevent accidental namespace pollution.
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.
✗
The package does not have an `__init__.py` file.
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows `__init__.py` is present.
✗
The `__init__.py` file must be empty for `from package import *` to work.
Why it's wrong here
`__init__.py` can contain code; it doesn't need to be empty.
✗
`__all__` causes submodules to be ignored during `import *`.
Why it's wrong here
`__all__` does not ignore submodules; it lists what to import.
✓
The `__all__` variable is defined as an empty list, so `from mypackage import *` imports nothing.
Why this is correct
`__all__` controls what is imported; an empty list means nothing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume `from package import *` always imports all submodules, but Cisco tests the nuance that `__all__` can override this behavior, and an empty `__all__` results in no imports, which is a common point of confusion.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exhibit shows `__init__.py` is present.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `__all__` variable is a list of strings that defines the public API of a module or package when `from module import *` is executed. Under the hood, Python checks for `__all__` in the module's namespace; if present, it imports only the names in that list; if absent, it imports all names that do not start with an underscore. A real-world scenario is when a package contains many internal helper modules, and `__all__` is set to an empty list to prevent any submodules from being accidentally exposed to the user, enforcing strict encapsulation.
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.
Modules and Packages — This question tests Modules and Packages — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The `__all__` variable is defined as an empty list, so `from mypackage import *` imports nothing. — Option D is correct because when a package defines `__all__` as an empty list in its `__init__.py`, the `from mypackage import *` statement imports nothing. The `__all__` variable explicitly controls which names are exported by `import *`, and an empty list means no names are imported. This is a deliberate design to prevent accidental namespace pollution.
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.
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 →
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.
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.