This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of data types, variables, basic i/o and operators. 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.
config = {
"debug": False,
"port": 8080,
"host": "localhost"
}
print(config.get("timeout", "Not set"))What is the output?
Refer to the exhibit.
config = {
"debug": False,
"port": 8080,
"host": "localhost"
}
print(config.get("timeout", "Not set"))KeyError: 'timeout'
Why wrong: get() does not error; it returns the default.
Not set
The default is returned for missing key.
None
Why wrong: Only without default it returns None, but here default is provided.
False
Why wrong: False is not the default.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Not set
The code attempts to access a dictionary key 'timeout' that does not exist. Using square bracket access on a missing key raises a KeyError, but the code uses the .get() method, which returns None by default if the key is missing. Since the key 'timeout' is not in the dictionary, .get('timeout') returns None, and the print statement outputs 'Not set' because the condition `config.get('timeout') is None` evaluates to True.
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.
KeyError: 'timeout'
Why it's wrong here
get() does not error; it returns the default.
Not set
Why this is correct
The default is returned for missing key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
None
Why it's wrong here
Only without default it returns None, but here default is provided.
False
Why it's wrong here
False is not the default.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between dict[key] (which raises KeyError) and dict.get(key) (which returns None) to trap candidates who assume all dictionary access methods behave the same way.
Detailed technical explanation
The dict.get(key, default) method is a safe accessor that returns the default value (None if not specified) when the key is missing, avoiding KeyError. This is commonly used in configuration parsing (e.g., reading config files or environment variables) where optional keys should not crash the program. The identity operator 'is' checks for object identity, not equality, so 'config.get('timeout') is None' is True only if the returned object is the singleton None, which is the case here.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — This question tests Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Not set — The code attempts to access a dictionary key 'timeout' that does not exist. Using square bracket access on a missing key raises a KeyError, but the code uses the .get() method, which returns None by default if the key is missing. Since the key 'timeout' is not in the dictionary, .get('timeout') returns None, and the print statement outputs 'Not set' because the condition `config.get('timeout') is None` evaluates to True.
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 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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