PCPP1 Best Practices And Coding Conventions Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are secure coding practices in Python?
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
✓
Avoid using 'pickle' for untrusted data.
Avoiding dangerous functions and validating all inputs are key security practices.
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 'subprocess' with 'shell=True'.
Why it's wrong here
This is a major security risk.
- ✗
Always use 'eval()' for dynamic execution.
Why it's wrong here
eval() is a significant security risk.
- ✓
Avoid using 'pickle' for untrusted data.
Why this is correct
Pickle is inherently insecure.
- ✓
Validate and sanitize all user input.
Why this is correct
Essential for preventing injection attacks.
- ✗
Use hardcoded credentials for database connections.
Why it's wrong here
Never hardcode credentials.
About these practice questions
One of 209 original PCPP1 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
This PCPP1 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 PCPP1 exam.