hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A Linux administrator is writing a script that…
A Linux administrator is writing a script that must wait for a background process to finish before continuing. The process ID is stored in a variable. Which command should be used to wait for this process?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `wait` (which waits for process completion) and `kill -0` (which only checks process existence), leading candidates to mistakenly choose `kill -0` as a waiting mechanism.
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
✓
wait $PID
The `wait` command in Bash, when given a specific process ID (PID), suspends execution of the calling shell script until that background process terminates. This directly fulfills the requirement to wait for a specific background process whose PID is stored in a variable.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
sleep 10
Why it's wrong here
Only pauses, doesn't wait for process.
- ✗
wait
Why it's wrong here
Waits for all background jobs.
- ✓
wait $PID
Why this is correct
Waits for specific process.
- ✗
kill -0 $PID
Why it's wrong here
Checks if process exists.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
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.
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.
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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.