A Python script needs to connect to a SQL Server database using pyodbc. The script must ensure that the connection is closed even if an error occurs during query execution. Which pattern should be used?

Use a with statement for the connection and cursor objects.

Rely on the garbage collector to close the connection automatically.

Call connect() and then close() only after all queries succeed.

Use a global connection object and reuse it without closing.

A Python application connects to a MongoDB database using pymongo. The application must handle connection failures and automatically reconnect when the database becomes available. Which approach is most appropriate?

Use a global connection and assume it never fails.

Catch all exceptions and silently continue without reconnecting.

Use a connection pool with retry logic that catches connection exceptions and re-establishes the connection.

Create a new connection for every operation and never reuse it.

Which of the following is the primary security benefit of using parameterized queries instead of string formatting to build SQL statements?

They allow the use of any SQL dialect

They prevent SQL injection attacks

They automatically encrypt the data

What is the primary purpose of an Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) like SQLAlchemy?

To replace the need for a database server

To generate random data for testing

To map Python objects to database tables and manage relationships

To automatically optimize all SQL queries

GIAC Python Coder

Domain 2Objective 3

Database Interaction GPYC Practice Questions (Page 5)

Part of the Scripting and Automation domain, which makes up ~23% of our current practice bank. GIAC (SANS) does not publish an official question count, but from its 120-minute exam (~50–80 total, ~12–18 in this domain), expect 4–6 from this objective — we provide 30 practice questions to prepare you well beyond it. (estimate)

30questions here

6free pages

7concepts

Questions 21–25

21application · medium
A Python script needs to connect to a SQL Server database using pyodbc. The script must ensure that the connection is closed even if an error occurs during query execution. Which pattern should be used?
Select an answer first
22application · medium
A Python application connects to a MongoDB database using pymongo. The application must handle connection failures and automatically reconnect when the database becomes available. Which approach is most appropriate?
Select an answer first
23foundation · easy
Which of the following is the primary security benefit of using parameterized queries instead of string formatting to build SQL statements?
Select an answer first
24foundation · easy
Which Python library is commonly used to connect to a MySQL database and provides a DB-API 2.0 compliant interface?
Select an answer first
25foundation · easy
What is the primary purpose of an Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) like SQLAlchemy?
Select an answer first

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