- A
Increase disk space by adding a new volume.
Why wrong: This does not address the root cause of growing logs and images; the problem will recur.
- B
Create a script that stops all containers, removes unused images, and restarts containers.
Why wrong: Stopping containers causes application downtime, which is not acceptable.
- C
Schedule a cron job to run `docker system prune -a -f` daily.
Why wrong: This removes all unused images and volumes, potentially removing needed cached images, and does not limit log sizes.
- D
Configure log rotation for containers using `--log-opt max-size=10m` and `--log-opt max-file=3` in the Docker run command, and schedule `docker image prune -f` weekly.
Log rotation keeps log files small, and pruning unused images safely removes them without affecting running containers.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure log rotation with `--log-opt max-size=10m` and `--log-opt max-file=3` on the Docker run command, combined with a scheduled `docker image prune -f`. This solution directly tackles the two primary causes of Docker disk space exhaustion—unbounded log files and dangling images—without requiring container restarts, which meets the requirement of not disrupting running containers. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of Docker resource management and the `docker system prune` family of commands; a common trap is to suggest restarting containers or using `docker system prune -a`, which removes all unused images (not just dangling ones) and could disrupt cached layers needed by running containers. Remember the mnemonic “Logs and Leftovers”: limit logs with `max-size` and `max-file`, then prune the leftovers with `docker image prune -f` to keep disk clean.
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
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 company runs a critical web application on a single server using Docker containers. The application consists of a web frontend container and a backend API container. Recently, the server ran out of disk space due to Docker logs and temporary images. The sysadmin is tasked with automating cleanup to prevent recurrence. The solution must not disrupt running containers. Which approach should be taken?
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
Configure log rotation for containers using `--log-opt max-size=10m` and `--log-opt max-file=3` in the Docker run command, and schedule `docker image prune -f` weekly.
Option D is correct because it addresses both root causes: log growth and dangling images. Configuring `--log-opt max-size=10m` and `--log-opt max-file=3` limits container log file size and count without stopping containers, while `docker image prune -f` removes unused images safely. This combination prevents disk exhaustion without disrupting running containers, meeting all requirements.
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.
- ✗
Increase disk space by adding a new volume.
Why it's wrong here
This does not address the root cause of growing logs and images; the problem will recur.
- ✗
Create a script that stops all containers, removes unused images, and restarts containers.
Why it's wrong here
Stopping containers causes application downtime, which is not acceptable.
- ✗
Schedule a cron job to run `docker system prune -a -f` daily.
Why it's wrong here
This removes all unused images and volumes, potentially removing needed cached images, and does not limit log sizes.
- ✓
Configure log rotation for containers using `--log-opt max-size=10m` and `--log-opt max-file=3` in the Docker run command, and schedule `docker image prune -f` weekly.
Why this is correct
Log rotation keeps log files small, and pruning unused images safely removes them without affecting running containers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose Option C because `docker system prune -a -f` seems like a comprehensive cleanup, but they overlook that it can remove images needed by running containers (if they use intermediate layers) and does not address log growth, which is the primary cause of disk space exhaustion in this scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Docker logs are stored as JSON files in `/var/lib/docker/containers/<container-id>/` by default, and without log rotation they can consume gigabytes rapidly. The `--log-opt` flags enforce per-container log size limits at the Docker daemon level, rotating logs automatically. `docker image prune -f` removes dangling images (those with tag `<none>`) and optionally unused images (with `-a`), but here `-a` is omitted to avoid removing images that might be referenced by running containers, ensuring safety.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Scripting, Containers and Automation practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All XK0-005 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
XK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related XK0-005 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Security.
Troubleshooting practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Troubleshooting.
Scripting, Containers and Automation practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
System Management practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to System Management.
XK0-005 fundamentals practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 fundamentals.
XK0-005 scenario practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 scenario.
XK0-005 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free XK0-005 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
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: Configure log rotation for containers using `--log-opt max-size=10m` and `--log-opt max-file=3` in the Docker run command, and schedule `docker image prune -f` weekly. — Option D is correct because it addresses both root causes: log growth and dangling images. Configuring `--log-opt max-size=10m` and `--log-opt max-file=3` limits container log file size and count without stopping containers, while `docker image prune -f` removes unused images safely. This combination prevents disk exhaustion without disrupting running containers, meeting all requirements.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.