Quick Answer
The answer is a bind mount. This is the correct choice because a bind mount directly maps a specific directory from the host filesystem into the container, meaning any data written to that mount point—such as database files—is stored on the host and remains intact even after the container is deleted. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of Docker storage options and the critical distinction between ephemeral container data and persistent host data. A common trap is assuming that a named volume is always the best choice for persistence, but the exam emphasizes that bind mounts are the straightforward method for directly controlling where data lives on the host, especially for database services requiring predictable file paths. Remember the memory tip: “Bind to the host, volume to the engine”—bind mounts tie data to a host path you specify, while volumes are managed by Docker’s storage subsystem.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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 container is running a database service that requires persistent storage. The administrator wants to ensure that data persists even if the container is removed. Which volume mount type should be used in the Docker run command?
--mount type=volume
Why wrong: Anonymous volumes persist but are harder to manage for backups.
--mount type=bind
Bind mounts map a host directory, ensuring data persists.
COPY in Dockerfile
Why wrong: COPY is used at build time, not for runtime persistence.
--mount type=tmpfs
Why wrong: tmpfs is ephemeral; data is lost when container stops.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
--mount type=bind
Option B is correct because a bind mount directly maps a host directory into the container, ensuring that data written to that mount point persists on the host filesystem even after the container is removed. This is ideal for database services that require persistent storage independent of the container lifecycle.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
--mount type=volume
Why it's wrong here
Anonymous volumes persist but are harder to manage for backups.
--mount type=bind
Why this is correct
Bind mounts map a host directory, ensuring data persists.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
COPY in Dockerfile
Why it's wrong here
COPY is used at build time, not for runtime persistence.
--mount type=tmpfs
Why it's wrong here
tmpfs is ephemeral; data is lost when container stops.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Docker volumes with bind mounts, assuming volumes are the only persistent option, but bind mounts also provide persistence and are the correct choice when the question explicitly requires a host directory mapping.
Detailed technical explanation
Bind mounts leverage the host's native filesystem, allowing the container to read/write directly to a specified host path, which is useful for sharing configuration files or development code. Under the hood, Docker uses the Linux `mount` system call to bind the host directory into the container's mount namespace, bypassing the Union File System. A real-world scenario is running a PostgreSQL container with `--mount type=bind,source=/data/postgres,target=/var/lib/postgresql/data` to ensure database files survive container upgrades or crashes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 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
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FAQ
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: --mount type=bind — Option B is correct because a bind mount directly maps a host directory into the container, ensuring that data written to that mount point persists on the host filesystem even after the container is removed. This is ideal for database services that require persistent storage independent of the container lifecycle.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This XK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 XK0-005 exam.
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