What type of model does DSC use for encoding its configurations?

The correct answer is declarative. In configuration management, a declarative model focuses on defining the desired end state of a system rather than specifying the steps needed to achieve that state. DSC, or Desired State Configuration, utilizes this approach by allowing users to declare what the configuration of a system should be, and then DSC manages the process of ensuring that the system matches that desired configuration.

This model is beneficial because it abstracts the complexity of the underlying implementation, making it easier for administrators to manage infrastructure. Instead of detailing every action and procedure required to configure systems (as would be the case in an imperative or procedural model), DSC allows for a more straightforward specification of the final state, which the system can then apply and maintain.

In contrast, imperative models require users to write specific instructions on how to achieve a configuration, while procedural models are focused on the sequence of steps to execute, neither of which aligns with the declarative philosophy. Object-oriented models pertain to structuring data and functionality in terms of objects and classes, which does not directly relate to the configuration management focus of DSC.