The answer is to change 'exit' to 'exit /b' in the sub-script. This is correct because the plain 'exit' command terminates the entire cmd.exe process, which kills the parent batch script that called the sub-script via 'call'. In contrast, 'exit /b' exits only the current batch file or subroutine, returning control to the calling script and preserving the intended execution flow. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of batch script control flow and the critical difference between terminating a process versus a script. A common trap is assuming 'exit' always behaves like 'exit /b', but the key is that 'exit' without parameters is global—it shuts down the command interpreter itself. A useful memory tip: think of the '/b' as standing for "batch only"—it keeps the exit contained within the current script, just like a subroutine return.
220-1202 Scripting Basics Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. 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 company's login script uses a batch file that calls multiple other scripts. Recently, the script stopped working after a Windows update. The technician discovers that the script uses 'call' to run sub-scripts, but one of the sub-scripts contains an 'exit' command that terminates the entire batch process. How should the technician modify the sub-script to prevent this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change 'exit' to 'exit /b'
The 'exit' command without parameters terminates the entire command interpreter (cmd.exe), which kills the parent batch file as well. Using 'exit /b' instead exits only the current batch script or subroutine, returning control to the calling script. This preserves the intended flow when sub-scripts are invoked via 'call'.
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.
✗
Replace 'exit' with 'goto :eof'
Why it's wrong here
'goto :eof' ends the current script but does not set an error level; it works but 'exit /b' is more explicit and can set error codes.
✓
Change 'exit' to 'exit /b'
Why this is correct
'exit /b' exits the current batch script and returns to the caller, preserving the call chain.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Remove the 'exit' command entirely
Why it's wrong here
Removing exit may cause the script to continue executing unintended commands.
✗
Use 'endlocal' before 'exit'
Why it's wrong here
Endlocal ends local variable scope but does not change the behavior of 'exit'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the difference between 'exit' (terminates the entire command shell) and 'exit /b' (exits only the current batch script), leading candidates to mistakenly think 'exit' is always safe in sub-scripts.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Removing exit may cause the script to continue executing unintended commands.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Windows batch scripting, 'exit /b' sets the ERRORLEVEL to the optional exit code and returns to the caller without closing the parent cmd.exe instance. The 'call' command creates a new batch context; without 'exit /b', an 'exit' command terminates that context and all parent contexts. This distinction is critical in multi-script automation where error handling and script chaining depend on preserving the parent process.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change 'exit' to 'exit /b' — The 'exit' command without parameters terminates the entire command interpreter (cmd.exe), which kills the parent batch file as well. Using 'exit /b' instead exits only the current batch script or subroutine, returning control to the calling script. This preserves the intended flow when sub-scripts are invoked via 'call'.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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.
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Question Discussion
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