Quick Answer
The answer is the `apt` module with `state=latest`. This is correct because Ansible’s `apt` module is purpose-built for managing packages on Debian-based systems, and setting `state=latest` ensures the most recent version of nginx is installed, matching the requirement for automated deployment. The CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam tests your ability to select the correct Ansible module for a given OS family, often presenting traps like the generic `package` module or the `yum` module for Red Hat systems. A common mistake is using `shell` or `command` to run `apt install`, which bypasses Ansible’s idempotency—a key concept the exam emphasizes. Remember the memory tip: “APT for Debian, YUM for Red Hat, and `package` only when you don’t know the OS.” This question reinforces that declarative module selection is critical for reliable automation.
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 DevOps engineer needs to automate the deployment of a microservice using Ansible. The playbook should install the latest version of nginx on all web servers. Which Ansible module should be used in the playbook?
service: name=nginx state=started
Why wrong: This starts the service, but does not install nginx.
command: apt install nginx
Why wrong: The command module is not idempotent and not recommended for package management.
apt: name=nginx state=latest
The apt module with state=latest ensures the latest version is installed.
yum: name=nginx state=latest
Why wrong: yum is for RedHat-based systems, not Debian.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
apt: name=nginx state=latest
Option C is correct because the `apt` module is the proper Ansible module for managing packages on Debian-based systems, and `state=latest` ensures the most recent version of nginx is installed. This aligns with the requirement to automate deployment using Ansible's declarative package management rather than imperative shell commands.
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.
service: name=nginx state=started
Why it's wrong here
This starts the service, but does not install nginx.
command: apt install nginx
Why it's wrong here
The command module is not idempotent and not recommended for package management.
apt: name=nginx state=latest
Why this is correct
The apt module with state=latest ensures the latest version is installed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
yum: name=nginx state=latest
Why it's wrong here
yum is for RedHat-based systems, not Debian.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the `service` module (for managing service state) with package installation modules, or they default to the `command` module out of habit, missing Ansible's dedicated package modules that ensure idempotency and cross-platform compatibility.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The command module is not idempotent and not recommended for package management.
Detailed technical explanation
Ansible's package modules (like `apt`, `yum`, `dnf`) abstract the underlying package manager and enforce idempotency by checking the current state before making changes. Using `state=latest` triggers an `apt-get update` followed by an install if the package is not already at the latest version, ensuring consistency across multiple hosts. In real-world CI/CD pipelines, this module is preferred over raw commands because it integrates with Ansible's change tracking and dry-run (`--check`) modes.
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.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — study guide chapter
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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: apt: name=nginx state=latest — Option C is correct because the `apt` module is the proper Ansible module for managing packages on Debian-based systems, and `state=latest` ensures the most recent version of nginx is installed. This aligns with the requirement to automate deployment using Ansible's declarative package management rather than imperative shell commands.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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