The answer is the integer 8080. This is correct because the code reads the config.txt file, splits its content by newlines to isolate the line 'port=8080', then splits that line by '=' to extract the string '8080', which the int() function converts to an integer. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this tests your understanding of Python file reading integer conversion from a config-style file, a common scenario where raw text must be parsed and typed. A frequent trap is forgetting that split() returns strings, so without int(), the output would be the string '8080' rather than the integer 8080. Remember: when you read from a file, everything is a string until you explicitly convert it—think of int() as your "type-casting key" for numeric config values.
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.
# config.txt
[Settings]
host = localhost
port = 8080
debug = True
# Python code
import configparser
config = configparser.ConfigParser()
config.read('config.txt')
port = config.getint('Settings', 'port')
print(port)
What is the output of the Python code after reading the config.txt file?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
8080
The code reads the config.txt file and splits its content by newlines. The first line contains 'port=8080', and after splitting by '=', the second element is '8080'. The int() function converts this string to the integer 8080, which is then printed. Option C is correct because the output is the integer 8080, not a string or quoted form.
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.
✗
8080 (as string)
Why it's wrong here
It returns integer.
✗
An exception is raised.
Why it's wrong here
File is valid and section exists.
✓
8080
Why this is correct
getint returns integer 8080.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
'8080'
Why it's wrong here
getint returns integer, not string.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the internal data type (string vs integer) with the printed output, assuming that because the source is a string, the output must also be a string or quoted, when in fact int() converts it to an integer and print() displays it without quotes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The int() function in Python accepts a string of digits and returns an integer object; it does not add quotes to the output. When print() is called with an integer, it calls str() on the integer, producing the numeric representation without surrounding quotes. In real-world config parsing, this conversion is essential for using the port number in socket bindings, where an integer is required.
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: 8080 — The code reads the config.txt file and splits its content by newlines. The first line contains 'port=8080', and after splitting by '=', the second element is '8080'. The int() function converts this string to the integer 8080, which is then printed. Option C is correct because the output is the integer 8080, not a string or quoted form.
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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