PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
A developer wants to extract the file extension from a filename: 'report.pdf'. Which string method will return 'pdf'?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates choose option C because it works for simple cases like `'report.pdf'`, but The PCEP exam often tests the edge case of filenames with multiple dots to catch those who do not use `[-1]` for the last element.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
'report.pdf'.split('.')[-1]
The `split('.')` method divides the string at each period, returning a list `['report', 'pdf']`. Accessing index `-1` retrieves the last element, which is the file extension `'pdf'`. This is a common Python idiom for extracting file extensions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
'report.pdf'.replace('.', '')
Why it's wrong here
Returns 'reportpdf'.
- ✓
'report.pdf'.split('.')[-1]
Why this is correct
Returns 'pdf'.
- ✗
'report.pdf'.split('.')[1]
Why it's wrong here
Also returns 'pdf' but only works with one dot.
- ✗
'report.pdf'.removeprefix('report.')
Why it's wrong here
Removes prefix, not safe.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCEP 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 PCEP exam.