PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of computer programming and python fundamentals. 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.
A developer writes a function that calculates the area of a rectangle and prints the result inside the function. Later, they need to use this area in another calculation. What should they do to make the function reusable and composable?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the function to return the area instead of printing it.
Option A is correct because returning the value allows the caller to use it in further computations. Option B is wrong because keeping the print inside prevents composition. Option C is wrong because using a global variable is poor practice and reduces reusability. Option D is wrong because passing the result as a print argument doesn't change the logic.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Store the area in a global variable and access it later.
Why it's wrong here
Global variables violate best practices and can cause side effects.
✓
Modify the function to return the area instead of printing it.
Why this is correct
Returning allows the result to be used in other calculations.
Keep the function as is and call it from inside another function.
Why it's wrong here
The function prints, so the result is not accessible programmatically.
✗
Pass the area to the next calculation using a print function argument.
Why it's wrong here
Print returns None, so you cannot pass its output as an argument.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Print returns None, so you cannot pass its output as an argument.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PCEP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related PCEP OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — This question tests Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the function to return the area instead of printing it. — Option A is correct because returning the value allows the caller to use it in further computations. Option B is wrong because keeping the print inside prevents composition. Option C is wrong because using a global variable is poor practice and reduces reusability. Option D is wrong because passing the result as a print argument doesn't change the logic.
What should I do if I get this PCEP question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related PCEP OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Question Discussion
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