Cisco Developing Applications using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs (350-901) Exam Preparation

Using APIs is a critical skill for modern software developers, particularly in the context of network and application integration. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) provide a standardized method for different software systems to communicate and exchange data, enabling developers to create more complex, interconnected applications. In the Cisco ecosystem, understanding how to effectively consume and interact with REST APIs is essential for building robust, scalable applications that can integrate with various network services and platforms.

The subtopics in this section focus on advanced API interaction techniques, covering error handling, authorization, performance optimization, and efficient data retrieval. These skills are crucial for developing resilient applications that can gracefully manage API interactions, handle potential failures, and implement secure authentication mechanisms.

In the Cisco 350-901 exam syllabus, the "Using APIs" topic is directly aligned with the core competencies expected of network application developers. This section tests candidates' ability to:

• Demonstrate advanced REST API interaction techniques
• Understand error handling and recovery strategies
• Implement secure authentication flows
• Optimize API consumption performance

Candidates can expect a variety of question types that assess their practical and theoretical knowledge of API usage, including:

• Multiple-choice questions testing theoretical understanding of OAuth2 authorization flows
• Scenario-based questions requiring candidates to design error handling strategies
• Code snippet evaluation questions focused on implementing API pagination and cache control
• Conceptual questions about rate limiting and API consumption best practices

The exam will require candidates to demonstrate intermediate to advanced skills in:

• REST API error handling techniques
• OAuth2 authorization code grant flow implementation
• HTTP caching and performance optimization
• Pagination handling in API consumers
• Implementing robust error recovery mechanisms

To excel in this section, candidates should have hands-on experience with API development, understand RESTful principles, and be familiar with authentication and authorization mechanisms. Practical coding experience and a deep understanding of HTTP protocols will be crucial for success.

Cisco Platforms represent a comprehensive suite of networking and collaboration technologies that enable developers to create innovative solutions across various domains. These platforms provide robust APIs and development tools that allow integration and automation of network services, communication channels, security systems, and management interfaces. By leveraging these platforms, developers can build sophisticated applications that interact seamlessly with Cisco's extensive ecosystem of networking and collaboration technologies.

The Cisco Platforms topic in the 350-901 exam focuses on testing candidates' ability to understand and implement API interactions across different Cisco technologies. This includes constructing API requests, retrieving data, provisioning resources, and integrating various Cisco services programmatically. The subtopics cover a wide range of platforms such as Webex Teams, Firepower, Meraki, Intersight, UCS, DNA Center, and AppDynamics, demonstrating the breadth of skills required for modern network application development.

In the certification exam, candidates can expect a mix of question types that assess their practical knowledge of Cisco Platform APIs, including:

• Multiple-choice questions testing theoretical understanding of API interactions
• Scenario-based questions requiring candidates to construct appropriate API requests
• Code interpretation and debugging challenges involving Python scripts
• Problem-solving questions that evaluate API integration strategies

The exam will require candidates to demonstrate:

• Proficiency in RESTful API interactions
• Understanding of authentication and authorization mechanisms
• Ability to read and write Python scripts for API integration
• Knowledge of different Cisco platform capabilities
• Skills in data retrieval, object manipulation, and system configuration

Candidates should prepare by practicing hands-on API interactions, studying Cisco platform documentation, and developing practical skills in scripting and API consumption. The exam tests not just theoretical knowledge, but the ability to apply these skills in real-world scenarios across different Cisco technologies.

Key preparation strategies include:

• Exploring Cisco DevNet resources and learning labs
• Practicing API calls using tools like Postman
• Building sample Python scripts for different platforms
• Understanding authentication methods like OAuth
• Familiarizing oneself with JSON and XML data formats

The difficulty level is intermediate to advanced, requiring candidates to have a solid understanding of networking concepts, programming principles, and API interactions. Success in this exam demonstrates a candidate's ability to leverage Cisco platforms for creating integrated, automated network solutions.

Application Deployment and Security is a critical domain in modern software development that focuses on the comprehensive process of delivering applications securely and efficiently. This topic encompasses the entire lifecycle of an application, from development and testing to deployment and ongoing maintenance, with a strong emphasis on implementing robust security measures. The key objectives are to ensure that applications are not only functional and performant but also protected against potential vulnerabilities and threats.

The domain covers multiple critical aspects including continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, containerization technologies, security best practices, and encryption principles. Developers must understand how to create scalable, secure, and maintainable applications that can be reliably deployed across different environments while maintaining high standards of data protection and application integrity.

In the context of the Cisco Developing Applications using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs exam (350-901), Application Deployment and Security is a crucial component that tests candidates' comprehensive understanding of modern software development practices. The exam syllabus directly aligns with industry-standard methodologies for developing, deploying, and securing applications, reflecting real-world challenges faced by software engineers and developers.

The subtopics covered in this section are strategically designed to assess a candidate's practical knowledge and skills in:

• Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) processes
• Containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
• Application security principles
• Encryption and data privacy strategies
• Threat mitigation techniques

Candidates can expect a variety of question types that test both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills, including:

• Multiple-choice questions assessing understanding of CI/CD pipeline concepts
• Scenario-based questions requiring analysis of potential deployment and security challenges
• Practical problem-solving questions about containerization and application security
• Diagnostic scenarios testing ability to identify and resolve deployment failures
• Questions exploring best practices for logging, secret management, and SSL certificate configuration

The exam will require candidates to demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency, including:

• Advanced understanding of Docker and Kubernetes
• Comprehensive knowledge of the "12-factor app" methodology
• Ability to implement security measures against OWASP top threats
• Practical skills in configuring SSL certificates
• Understanding of end-to-end encryption principles

To excel in this section, candidates should focus on hands-on experience with deployment tools, containerization technologies, and security frameworks. Practical lab work, real-world project experience, and in-depth study of security best practices will be crucial for success in this challenging exam domain.

Infrastructure and Automation is a critical domain in modern network engineering that focuses on leveraging programmability, APIs, and automated tools to streamline network configuration, management, and monitoring. This topic emphasizes the shift from traditional manual network management to more efficient, scalable, and repeatable processes using software-defined networking (SDN) principles and advanced configuration management techniques.

The core objective of Infrastructure and Automation is to enable network professionals to design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure using programmatic approaches that reduce human error, increase operational efficiency, and provide real-time insights into network performance and configuration.

In the context of the Cisco Developing Applications using Cisco Core Platforms and APIs exam (350-901), this topic is crucial as it tests candidates' ability to understand and implement advanced network automation strategies. The subtopics directly align with the exam's focus on demonstrating practical skills in network programmability, telemetry, configuration management, and application hosting on network devices.

The exam syllabus for this topic is designed to assess a candidate's proficiency in:

• Understanding model-driven telemetry and its data consumption methods
• Utilizing RESTful APIs and RESTCONF for device configuration
• Implementing configuration management using tools like Ansible and Puppet
• Selecting appropriate configuration management solutions
• Hosting applications on network devices

Candidates can expect a variety of question types that test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including:

• Multiple-choice questions about telemetry concepts and data storage
• Scenario-based questions requiring candidates to select the most appropriate configuration management tool
• Practical problem-solving questions involving RESTCONF configuration
• Conceptual questions about application hosting on network devices
• Workflow design questions involving Ansible playbooks and Puppet manifests

The exam requires a moderate to advanced skill level, expecting candidates to demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of network programmability concepts
• Hands-on experience with automation tools
• Ability to design and implement network configuration workflows
• Knowledge of API interactions and data models
• Understanding of network device capabilities and limitations

To excel in this section, candidates should focus on practical experience, hands-on labs, and comprehensive study of Cisco's network programmability ecosystem. Familiarity with Python scripting, RESTful APIs, and configuration management tools will be crucial for success.