PCPP2 Advanced OOP And Performance Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are true about the 'descriptor protocol' 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
✓
A descriptor is a class that implements __get__, __set__, or __delete__
Descriptors define __get__, __set__, or __delete__, and they allow objects to customize attribute access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Descriptors must be defined inside a metaclass
Why it's wrong here
Descriptors are defined in classes as class-level attributes.
- ✓
A descriptor is a class that implements __get__, __set__, or __delete__
Why this is correct
This is the core definition of the descriptor protocol.
- ✗
Descriptors are only used for methods
Why it's wrong here
Descriptors are used for properties, methods, and more.
- ✓
Descriptors can be used to customize attribute access
Why this is correct
Descriptors intercept attribute lookups and assignments.
- ✗
Descriptors automatically make an object serializable
Why it's wrong here
Descriptors have nothing to do with serialization.
About these practice questions
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
This PCPP2 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 PCPP2 exam.