DevNet Associate (DEVASC) v1.0Understanding and Using APIsMedium

A network operations team is developing an automation script to provision new VLANs on multiple Cisco switches using an API. The API documentation states that the endpoint for creating VLANs is `/api/v1/devices/{device_id}/vlans` and accepts a JSON payload for VLAN configuration. Which type of OpenAPI parameter defines `{device_id}` in this URL path?

  1. ACookie parameter
  2. BQuery parameter
  3. CHeader parameter
  4. DPath parameter
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Path parameter

In OpenAPI Specification, curly braces `{}` within a URL path indicate a path parameter. These parameters are essential parts of the URL and identify a specific resource.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Cookie parameters are sent as HTTP cookies, not within the URL path.
  • B. Query parameters are appended to the URL after a '?' (e.g., `?key=value`).
  • C. Header parameters are sent as HTTP headers, not part of the URL path.

OpenAPI Path Parameter

An OpenAPI path parameter is a variable part of the URL path, enclosed in curly braces, used to identify a specific resource or collection within the API.

  • Part of the URL path.
  • Enclosed in curly braces `{}`.
  • Used to identify specific resources.

Memory trick: Path parameters map to locations in the URL.

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