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.
class MyClass:
def __init__(self, x):
self.__x = x
def get_x(self):
return self.__x
obj = MyClass(10)
print(obj.__x)Refer to the exhibit. What will happen when the code is executed?
class MyClass:
def __init__(self, x):
self.__x = x
def get_x(self):
return self.__x
obj = MyClass(10)
print(obj.__x)It prints None
Why wrong: Not applicable.
It raises a TypeError
Why wrong: It raises AttributeError, not TypeError.
It raises an AttributeError
obj.__x does not exist due to name mangling.
It prints 10
Why wrong: Name mangling prevents direct access.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It raises an AttributeError
The code attempts to call a method or access an attribute that does not exist on the object. In Python, when you try to access an attribute or method that is not defined on an object, an AttributeError is raised. Option C is correct because the exhibit shows an attempt to call a non-existent method or attribute on an instance, which triggers AttributeError.
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.
It prints None
Why it's wrong here
Not applicable.
It raises a TypeError
Why it's wrong here
It raises AttributeError, not TypeError.
It raises an AttributeError
Why this is correct
obj.__x does not exist due to name mangling.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It prints 10
Why it's wrong here
Name mangling prevents direct access.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between AttributeError and TypeError, trapping candidates who confuse missing methods with type mismatches.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, attribute access is resolved via the object's __getattribute__ method, which looks up the attribute in the class dictionary and instance dictionary. If the attribute is not found, it raises AttributeError. This is fundamental to Python's dynamic attribute resolution and is distinct from NameError (undefined variable) or TypeError (invalid operation).
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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: It raises an AttributeError — The code attempts to call a method or access an attribute that does not exist on the object. In Python, when you try to access an attribute or method that is not defined on an object, an AttributeError is raised. Option C is correct because the exhibit shows an attempt to call a non-existent method or attribute on an instance, which triggers AttributeError.
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
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