- A
ENV
Why wrong: ENV sets environment variables, not the working directory.
- B
RUN
Why wrong: RUN executes commands in the current working directory, but does not set a new working directory.
- C
COPY
Why wrong: COPY copies files from the host to the container, but does not set the working directory.
- D
WORKDIR
WORKDIR sets the working directory for all subsequent Dockerfile instructions.
Question 218 of 1,000
200-901 Application Deployment and Security Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of application deployment and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A developer creates a Dockerfile for a Python web application. Which instruction should be used to define the working directory inside the container for subsequent commands?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
WORKDIR
The WORKDIR instruction in a Dockerfile sets the working directory for any RUN, CMD, ENTRYPOINT, COPY, and ADD instructions that follow it in the Dockerfile. For a Python web application, using WORKDIR /app ensures that subsequent commands like COPY and RUN operate inside the /app directory, keeping the container filesystem organized and avoiding path errors.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ENV
Why it's wrong here
ENV sets environment variables, not the working directory.
- ✗
RUN
Why it's wrong here
RUN executes commands in the current working directory, but does not set a new working directory.
- ✗
COPY
Why it's wrong here
COPY copies files from the host to the container, but does not set the working directory.
- ✓
WORKDIR
Why this is correct
WORKDIR sets the working directory for all subsequent Dockerfile instructions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between WORKDIR and RUN cd, where candidates mistakenly think RUN cd sets a persistent working directory, but in Docker each RUN command runs in a new shell with the working directory reset unless WORKDIR is used.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
RUN executes commands in the current working directory, but does not set a new working directory.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
WORKDIR behaves like the 'cd' command in a shell, but it persists across all subsequent Dockerfile instructions and even across container restarts if the image is reused. If WORKDIR is not specified, the default working directory is the root (/) of the container filesystem, which can lead to permission issues or accidental overwrites when copying application code. In multi-stage builds, WORKDIR is often used to isolate build artifacts and final runtime files.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-901 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Application Deployment and Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Application Deployment and Security — This question tests Application Deployment and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: WORKDIR — The WORKDIR instruction in a Dockerfile sets the working directory for any RUN, CMD, ENTRYPOINT, COPY, and ADD instructions that follow it in the Dockerfile. For a Python web application, using WORKDIR /app ensures that subsequent commands like COPY and RUN operate inside the /app directory, keeping the container filesystem organized and avoiding path errors.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 200-901 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-901 exam.
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