PCPP2 Network Programming Practice Question
You need to detect if a client has disconnected from your TCP server. What is the standard behavior of recv() when the peer performs a clean shutdown?
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
✓
It returns an empty string (b'').
A clean shutdown by the peer causes recv() to return an empty bytes object (b'').
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It raises a ConnectionResetError.
Why it's wrong here
ConnectionResetError occurs on a forced/abrupt closure.
- ✗
It returns None.
Why it's wrong here
It returns an empty bytes object, not None.
- ✗
It blocks indefinitely.
Why it's wrong here
It returns immediately if the connection is closed.
- ✓
It returns an empty string (b'').
Why this is correct
An empty bytes object is the indicator of an orderly EOF in TCP.
About these practice questions
One of 194 original PCPP2 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 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.