Quick Answer
The answer is checking the exit code of commands using `$?` because it allows the script to conditionally handle failures based on the specific return value of each command. This is a fundamental shell script error handling best practice, as every command returns an exit code—0 for success and a non-zero value for failure—and inspecting `$?` immediately after a command lets the developer decide how to respond to that specific error. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this concept tests your understanding of robust script design, often appearing alongside questions about using `trap` for signal handling or `set -e` for immediate exit on failure. A common trap is forgetting that `$?` must be checked right after the command, as its value is overwritten by the next command. Remember the mnemonic: “Check the exit, don’t let it sit.”
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 developer is writing a shell script that needs to handle errors. Which THREE of the following are best practices for robust script error handling?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Ignore errors to simplify the script
Why wrong: Not robust.
Check the exit code of commands using $?
Allows conditional handling.
Use set +e to allow the script to continue on error
Why wrong: Opposite of best practice.
Use set -e to exit on any command failure
Stops script on error.
Use trap to catch signals and clean up
Ensures cleanup on exit.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Check the exit code of commands using $?
Option B is correct because checking the exit code of commands using `$?` allows the script to conditionally handle failures based on the specific return value of each command. This is a fundamental error-handling technique in shell scripting, as every command returns an exit code (0 for success, non-zero for failure), and inspecting `$?` immediately after a command lets the developer decide how to respond to that specific error.
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.
Ignore errors to simplify the script
Why it's wrong here
Not robust.
Check the exit code of commands using $?
Why this is correct
Allows conditional handling.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use set +e to allow the script to continue on error
Why it's wrong here
Opposite of best practice.
Use set -e to exit on any command failure
Why this is correct
Stops script on error.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use trap to catch signals and clean up
Why this is correct
Ensures cleanup on exit.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `set -e` and `set +e` and the proper use of `$?` versus relying solely on `set -e`, where candidates may incorrectly think that `set +e` is a best practice for error handling when it actually disables automatic exit on error.
Detailed technical explanation
The `$?` variable holds the exit status of the last foreground command, and its value ranges from 0 to 255, with 0 indicating success and any non-zero value indicating a specific error condition (e.g., 1 for general errors, 127 for command not found). Using `set -e` (option D) causes the shell to exit immediately if any command returns a non-zero exit status, which is a common best practice to prevent cascading failures, but it must be used with caution because it can also exit on commands that legitimately return non-zero (e.g., `grep` returning 1 when no match is found). The `trap` command (option E) allows the script to catch signals like SIGINT (Ctrl+C) or EXIT and run cleanup routines, ensuring resources are released even if the script terminates unexpectedly.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: Check the exit code of commands using $? — Option B is correct because checking the exit code of commands using `$?` allows the script to conditionally handle failures based on the specific return value of each command. This is a fundamental error-handling technique in shell scripting, as every command returns an exit code (0 for success, non-zero for failure), and inspecting `$?` immediately after a command lets the developer decide how to respond to that specific error.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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