easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A script named 'test.sh' contains '#!/bin/bash'…
A script named 'test.sh' contains '#!/bin/bash' and is located in the current directory. Which command runs the script in the current shell environment without forking a subshell?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between executing a script via its path (which forks a subshell) and sourcing it (which runs in the current shell), and candidates mistakenly think that `./test.sh` runs in the current shell because it is invoked directly from the command line.
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
✓
source test.sh
The `source` command (or its synonym `.`) executes the script in the current shell environment without forking a subshell. This is essential when you need the script to modify the current shell's environment, such as setting variables or changing directories, because a subshell would discard those changes upon exit.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
./test.sh
Why it's wrong here
Runs in a subshell.
- ✗
sh test.sh
Why it's wrong here
Runs in a new sh process.
- ✗
bash test.sh
Why it's wrong here
Runs in a new Bash process.
- ✓
source test.sh
Why this is correct
Executes in the current shell.
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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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.