The correct answer is the `[[ -r /etc/myapp.conf ]]` conditional because it uses Bash’s built-in keyword `[[ ]]`, which is more efficient and feature-rich than POSIX `[ ]` for file tests like checking readability. The `-r` operator directly tests whether the file exists and is readable by the current user, making it the most concise and performant syntax for this task. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of Bash-specific enhancements over POSIX compliance—a common trap is choosing the POSIX `[ -r ]` syntax, which works but is slower and lacks advanced pattern matching. Remember that `[[ ]]` is a Bash keyword, not an external command, so it avoids subshell overhead. A quick memory tip: think of the double brackets as “Bash’s turbo-charged test”—if you’re writing for Bash, always reach for `[[ ]]` over `[ ]` for file readability checks.
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is writing a Bash script to check if the configuration file /etc/myapp.conf exists and is readable. The script must exit with code 0 if the file is readable, and exit with code 1 otherwise. The script will be used on systems with Bash as the default shell. Which code snippet correctly implements this logic using the most efficient syntax available in Bash?
Option D is correct because [[ ]] is a Bash keyword that provides more features and is more efficient for file tests in Bash. Options A and B are POSIX-compliant but less efficient. Option C has invalid syntax.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
[[ ]] is Bash-specific, more efficient for file tests.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Invalid syntax; parentheses are not used for test commands.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Identify which XK0-005 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: `if [[ -r /etc/myapp.conf ]]; then exit 0; else exit 1; fi` — Option D is correct because [[ ]] is a Bash keyword that provides more features and is more efficient for file tests in Bash. Options A and B are POSIX-compliant but less efficient. Option C has invalid syntax.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which XK0-005 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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