PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of computer programming and python fundamentals. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
You are a developer in a company that runs a Python script daily to generate reports. The script uses the os module to list files in a directory and process each. Recently, after a server migration, the script fails with 'PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied'. The script runs under a service account that has read/write access to most folders, but the migration changed the permissions on certain subdirectories. The error is intermittent, occurring only for some files. You need to fix the script to continue processing other files even if one fails. Which approach should you take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a try-except block inside the loop to catch PermissionError for each file and continue.
Option C is correct: embedding the file processing inside a try block and catching PermissionError specifically allows the loop to continue. Option A is wrong because checking permissions manually across all directories is error-prone and platform-dependent. Option B is wrong because ignoring all errors without distinction could mask other critical issues. Option D is wrong because running the script as a different user may solve all permission issues but is an overreaction and may not be allowed.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Use a try-except block inside the loop to catch PermissionError for each file and continue.
Wrap the entire processing loop in a try-except that catches all exceptions and passes silently.
Why it's wrong here
Silently ignoring all exceptions hides real errors (e.g., data corruption).
✗
Before processing each file, use os.access() to check permissions and skip if not accessible.
Why it's wrong here
os.access() is not reliable due to race conditions and complex permission models.
✗
Ask the server administrator to grant full permissions to the service account on all directories.
Why it's wrong here
This is a temporary fix and not a robust programming solution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCEP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — This question tests Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a try-except block inside the loop to catch PermissionError for each file and continue. — Option C is correct: embedding the file processing inside a try block and catching PermissionError specifically allows the loop to continue. Option A is wrong because checking permissions manually across all directories is error-prone and platform-dependent. Option B is wrong because ignoring all errors without distinction could mask other critical issues. Option D is wrong because running the script as a different user may solve all permission issues but is an overreaction and may not be allowed.
What should I do if I get this PCEP question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PCEP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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