This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of strings. 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.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
# File: config.py
name = "Alice"
age = 30
print(f"{name} is {age} years old.")
```What is the output of the above code?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
# File: config.py
name = "Alice"
age = 30
print(f"{name} is {age} years old.")
```Alice is 30, years old.
Why wrong: Comma misplaced.
Name is 30 years old.
Why wrong: Variable name not interpolated correctly.
Alice is 30 years old..
Why wrong: Double period.
Alice is 30 years old.
Correct interpolation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Alice is 30 years old.
The code uses an f-string with a placeholder `{name}` and `{age}`. When `name = 'Alice'` and `age = 30`, the f-string evaluates to `'Alice is 30 years old.'` because the period is part of the string literal outside the placeholder. Option D matches this exact output.
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.
Alice is 30, years old.
Why it's wrong here
Comma misplaced.
Name is 30 years old.
Why it's wrong here
Variable name not interpolated correctly.
Alice is 30 years old..
Why it's wrong here
Double period.
Alice is 30 years old.
Why this is correct
Correct interpolation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests whether candidates notice subtle punctuation differences (like missing commas or extra periods) in f-string output, tricking those who focus only on the variable values and ignore exact string formatting.
Detailed technical explanation
F-strings (formatted string literals) were introduced in Python 3.6 and are evaluated at runtime using the `__format__` protocol. The expression inside `{}` is evaluated and then formatted using the `format()` specification. In this case, `{name}` and `{age}` are simple variable references, and the trailing period is a literal character. Under the hood, Python calls `str.format_map()` with the local namespace, ensuring that only the exact text between braces is replaced.
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
Strings — This question tests Strings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Alice is 30 years old. — The code uses an f-string with a placeholder `{name}` and `{age}`. When `name = 'Alice'` and `age = 30`, the f-string evaluates to `'Alice is 30 years old.'` because the period is part of the string literal outside the placeholder. Option D matches this exact output.
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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