Which NETCONF management operation is used to retrieve the running configuration and device state information?

The operation used to retrieve the running configuration and device state information in NETCONF is the operation. This operation allows a client to request the current state of the device’s configuration and operational data. When a NETCONF client sends a request, the server responds with an XML document containing the requested data, which typically includes the running configuration and various device parameters.

This functionality is essential for network automation and management, as it enables administrators and developers to obtain real-time information about devices in a network. The operation's ability to retrieve detailed and specific information makes it a fundamental component of NETCONF’s capabilities, facilitating effective monitoring and management of network devices.

In contrast, the other options do not correspond to standard NETCONF operations recognized in network management. Without the specific commands defined in the NETCONF protocol, those alternative terms do not have recognized functionalities in this context.