Question 317 of 498
PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Exhibit
config = {
'env': 'prod',
'debug': False,
'max_retries': 3
}
if config.get('debug', False):
print("Debug mode active")
else:
print("Running in normal mode")Refer to the exhibit. A developer runs this code. What is printed?
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the `if __name__ == '__main__':` idiom to see if candidates understand that `__name__` is `'__main__'` only when the script is run directly, not when imported.
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
✓
Running in normal mode
The code first checks a variable `debug`. Since `debug` is likely `False` or not set (default), the condition `if debug:` is `False`, so it moves to the `elif` branch. The condition `if __name__ == '__main__':` evaluates to `True` because the script is run directly, so it prints 'Running in normal mode'. This is the standard Python entry-point pattern for conditional execution of code only when the script is executed directly.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Running in normal mode
Why this is correct
Since debug is False, the else branch runs.
- ✗
Error
Why it's wrong here
The code is syntactically correct and runs without error.
- ✗
True
Why it's wrong here
The print statement does not output the boolean.
- ✗
Debug mode active
Why it's wrong here
That would print if the value were True.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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