The answer is to use a Docker volume mounted at /var/log. This is correct because Docker volumes are managed entirely by the Docker daemon and exist independently of any container’s lifecycle; when you mount a volume at /var/log, the application writes log data directly to the volume’s storage on the host, so even if the container is removed, the logs remain intact and can be reattached to a new container. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of Docker storage persistence versus ephemeral container filesystems—a common trap is confusing bind mounts (which rely on host directory paths) with Docker volumes (which are fully managed and portable). Remember that volumes are the preferred method for persisting container logs because they survive container removal and are easy to back up or share. A helpful memory tip: “Volumes live on, containers are gone.”
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
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 containerized application writes logs to /var/log/app.log. The administrator wants to ensure logs persist even if the container is removed. Which approach should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a Docker volume mounted at /var/log
Option D is correct because Docker volumes are managed by Docker and persist independently of the container lifecycle. By mounting a volume at /var/log, the application writes logs directly to the volume, ensuring the data survives container removal and can be reused by other containers.
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.
✗
Copy logs to a bind mount
Why it's wrong here
A bind mount maps a host directory into the container; if not mounted, logs are lost. This is not automatic.
✗
Set the log driver to syslog
Why it's wrong here
Changes the logging driver to send logs to syslog, but still container-local unless syslog is external.
✗
Redirect logs to stdout and use docker logs
Why it's wrong here
This captures logs only while the container exists; logs are lost when the container is removed.
✓
Use a Docker volume mounted at /var/log
Why this is correct
A Docker volume is managed by Docker and persists across container removal, retaining logs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse bind mounts with Docker volumes, thinking that any host-path mapping provides automatic persistence, or they may assume that docker logs retains logs after container removal, when in fact it only works for running or stopped containers, not removed ones.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Docker volumes are stored in the Docker host's filesystem under /var/lib/docker/volumes/ by default, and they survive container removal because they are managed independently. In contrast, bind mounts are tied to a host path and can be used for persistence, but the question specifies 'copy logs' which implies a manual step, not a native mount. The docker logs command retrieves logs from the container's stdout/stderr stream, which is stored in a JSON file on the host but is automatically cleaned up when the container is removed unless a logging driver like journald or syslog is configured to persist externally.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a Docker volume mounted at /var/log — Option D is correct because Docker volumes are managed by Docker and persist independently of the container lifecycle. By mounting a volume at /var/log, the application writes logs directly to the volume, ensuring the data survives container removal and can be reused by other containers.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 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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