Quick Answer
The correct answer is `for FILE in *.txt; do` because the shell expands the glob pattern `*.txt` into a list of matching filenames before the for loop executes, assigning each filename to the variable `FILE` in sequence. This approach leverages shell globbing, which is a safe and efficient method for iterating over files, as it avoids the pitfalls of parsing `ls` output—a common source of errors when filenames contain spaces or special characters. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of bash for loop file glob mechanics and the principle that the shell handles wildcard expansion, not external commands. A frequent trap is choosing an option that pipes `ls` or uses command substitution, which breaks with unusual filenames. Remember the memory tip: "Glob first, loop later"—the shell expands the pattern before the loop ever sees it.
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 bash script uses a for loop to iterate over files in a directory. Which of the following correctly assigns each filename to the variable FILE?
for FILE in $(ls *.txt); do
Why wrong: Uses ls which may produce unexpected results with spaces in filenames.
for FILE in *.txt; do
Uses glob expansion correctly, handling all filenames safely.
for FILE in 'ls *.txt'; do
Why wrong: Single quotes prevent glob expansion; treats as literal string.
for FILE = *.txt; do
Why wrong: Incorrect syntax: should be 'for FILE in *.txt'.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
for FILE in *.txt; do
Option B is correct because the shell expands the wildcard pattern `*.txt` into a list of matching filenames before the `for` loop executes, and each filename is assigned to the variable `FILE` in turn. This approach is safe and efficient because it avoids parsing the output of `ls`, which can break with filenames containing spaces or special characters.
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.
for FILE in $(ls *.txt); do
Why it's wrong here
Uses ls which may produce unexpected results with spaces in filenames.
for FILE in *.txt; do
Why this is correct
Uses glob expansion correctly, handling all filenames safely.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
for FILE in 'ls *.txt'; do
Why it's wrong here
Single quotes prevent glob expansion; treats as literal string.
for FILE = *.txt; do
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect syntax: should be 'for FILE in *.txt'.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often choose `$(ls *.txt)` (Option A) because they think they need to explicitly list files with `ls`, not realizing that the shell's built-in globbing is safer and more efficient, and that `ls` output parsing is fragile.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the shell performs pathname expansion (globbing) on the unquoted `*.txt` pattern before the `for` loop begins, generating a list of words that become the iteration list. This is handled by the shell's globbing mechanism, which respects `IFS` and does not require external commands; it also correctly handles filenames with spaces or special characters as long as the pattern is not quoted. In real-world scripts, using `for FILE in *.txt` is the idiomatic and portable way to iterate over files, avoiding common pitfalls like word splitting or command injection.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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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: for FILE in *.txt; do — Option B is correct because the shell expands the wildcard pattern `*.txt` into a list of matching filenames before the `for` loop executes, and each filename is assigned to the variable `FILE` in turn. This approach is safe and efficient because it avoids parsing the output of `ls`, which can break with filenames containing spaces or special characters.
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 25, 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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