The answer is "Invalid JSON" because the code explicitly catches `json.JSONDecodeError` when parsing the file content, printing that message if the JSON is malformed. When Python’s `json.load()` encounters a file that cannot be parsed as valid JSON, it raises a `JSONDecodeError` (a subclass of `ValueError` in older versions), which is handled by the `except` block before any other error can occur. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this question tests your understanding of exception handling with file I/O and JSON parsing—a common trap is assuming a `FileNotFoundError` would fire instead, but since the file exists, only the decode error triggers. Remember that `JSONDecodeError` is specific to malformed JSON, while `FileNotFoundError` only applies when the file is missing entirely. Memory tip: "If the file is there but garbled, catch the decode—not the missing file."
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
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
try:
with open('config.json', 'r') as f:
data = json.load(f)
except FileNotFoundError:
print('Missing config file')
except json.JSONDecodeError:
print('Invalid JSON')
except Exception:
print('Unexpected error')
If the file 'config.json' exists but contains invalid JSON, what is printed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Invalid JSON
Option D is correct because the code explicitly catches `json.JSONDecodeError` (or `ValueError` in older Python versions) when parsing the file content. If the JSON is invalid, this exception is raised and caught by the `except (json.JSONDecodeError, ValueError)` block, which prints 'Invalid JSON'. The file exists, so the `except FileNotFoundError` block is not triggered.
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.
✗
Unexpected error
Why it's wrong here
The specific exception is caught.
✗
The program crashes with an unhandled exception.
Why it's wrong here
Exception is handled.
✗
Missing config file
Why it's wrong here
File exists, so not FileNotFoundError.
✓
Invalid JSON
Why this is correct
Correct: JSONDecodeError is caught.
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 file existence errors (`FileNotFoundError`) and content parsing errors (`json.JSONDecodeError`), trapping candidates who assume any file problem results in a generic crash or a missing-file message.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `json.load()` attempts to parse the file using a strict grammar defined in RFC 7159. If the content violates JSON syntax (e.g., trailing commas, single quotes, or unquoted keys), `json.JSONDecodeError` is raised. In real-world scenarios, this pattern is critical for configuration management: a malformed config file should not crash the application but instead log a clear error and fall back to defaults or prompt the user.
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: Invalid JSON — Option D is correct because the code explicitly catches `json.JSONDecodeError` (or `ValueError` in older Python versions) when parsing the file content. If the JSON is invalid, this exception is raised and caught by the `except (json.JSONDecodeError, ValueError)` block, which prints 'Invalid JSON'. The file exists, so the `except FileNotFoundError` block is not triggered.
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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