The answer is `docker run -d --name web -p 8080:80 nginx`. This command is correct because the `-d` flag runs the container in detached mode (background execution), `--name web` assigns a custom name, and `-p 8080:80` maps host port 8080 to container port 80, all using the nginx image. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of container deployment fundamentals, specifically how to combine flags for detached operation and port mapping in a single `docker run` command. A common trap is forgetting the `-d` flag, which would leave the container attached to your terminal, or reversing the port mapping order—remember the syntax is always host port on the left, container port on the right. For a quick memory tip, think "Detach, Name, Port, Image" in that sequence: `-d`, `--name`, `-p`, then the image name.
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.
Which command will run a container in detached mode with the name 'web' and map host port 8080 to container port 80, using the nginx image?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
docker run -d --name web -p 8080:80 nginx
Option A is correct because `docker run` creates and starts a new container. The `-d` flag runs it in detached mode (background), `--name web` assigns the name 'web', `-p 8080:80` maps host port 8080 to container port 80, and `nginx` specifies the image to use. This is the standard syntax for deploying a container with port mapping and a custom name.
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.
✓
docker run -d --name web -p 8080:80 nginx
Why this is correct
Correct. This runs the nginx container in detached mode with the specified name and port mapping.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
docker exec -d --name web -p 8080:80 nginx
Why it's wrong here
Exec runs a command in an existing container, not suitable for starting a new container with port mapping.
✗
docker start -d --name web -p 8080:80 nginx
Why it's wrong here
The start command does not accept port mapping or image specification.
✗
docker run -it --name web -p 8080:80 nginx
Why it's wrong here
Runs in interactive mode, not detached.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `docker run` (create + start) and `docker start` (start existing container), and the requirement for `-d` versus `-it` to achieve detached mode, causing candidates to confuse the subcommands or flags.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Exec runs a command in an existing container, not suitable for starting a new container with port mapping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `-p` flag uses iptables NAT rules to forward traffic from the host's network stack to the container's network namespace. When you specify `-p 8080:80`, Docker creates a DNAT rule that redirects incoming TCP traffic on host port 8080 to the container's IP on port 80. In production, you might combine this with `--restart unless-stopped` to ensure the container restarts after a reboot, and you can verify the mapping with `docker port web`.
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 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.
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: docker run -d --name web -p 8080:80 nginx — Option A is correct because `docker run` creates and starts a new container. The `-d` flag runs it in detached mode (background), `--name web` assigns the name 'web', `-p 8080:80` maps host port 8080 to container port 80, and `nginx` specifies the image to use. This is the standard syntax for deploying a container with port mapping and a custom name.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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