XK0-006 Automation, Orchestration, and Scripting Practice Question
A Docker container is running in the background. Which command allows the administrator to execute an interactive bash shell inside the running container named 'webapp'?
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
✓
docker exec -it webapp bash
docker exec -it runs an interactive command in a running container. The other commands are for different purposes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
docker start -i webapp
Why it's wrong here
docker start -i restarts a stopped container and attaches its existing main process; it cannot spawn a new bash shell inside an already running container. It is tempting because -i attaches interactively, and it would be correct where the container is stopped and you want to resume its original process.
- ✗
docker run -it webapp bash
Why it's wrong here
docker run creates and starts a new container from the image rather than entering the existing background container, so it would not open a shell in the running 'webapp' instance. It is tempting because -it does allocate an interactive TTY, and it would be correct when launching a fresh container interactively.
- ✓
docker exec -it webapp bash
Why this is correct
docker exec runs a new process inside an already running container; -it allocates an interactive TTY and keeps stdin open, and bash specifies the shell. This satisfies the requirement without restarting or attaching to the main process.
- ✗
docker attach webapp
Why it's wrong here
docker attach connects to the container's existing main process stdin/stdout, so it gives the running application's console, not a new bash shell. It is tempting because it targets the named running container, and it would be correct where you need to interact with that process's own terminal.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Basic Shell Scripting
Key term
Bash
Bash is a command-line interpreter that lets users interact with an operating system by typing text commands instead of clicking icons.
Key term
Shell
A shell is a computer program that provides a user interface to access an operating system's services, typically by accepting text commands.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.