The correct command is `docker run --rm private.registry.com/batch:latest`. This works because the `--rm` flag tells Docker to automatically remove the container from the filesystem as soon as it exits, making it ideal for batch jobs that run once and finish. Without `--rm`, the container would remain in a stopped state, cluttering the system and requiring manual cleanup. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this concept tests your understanding of container lifecycle management and efficient resource use—a common trap is forgetting that stopped containers still consume disk space. The image reference with the private registry domain ensures the container pulls from a non-public source when not cached, which is a typical scenario in enterprise environments. Remember the mnemonic "Remove Me" for `--rm`: if the job is temporary, let Docker clean up after itself.
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 DevOps engineer needs to run a container that executes a batch job and then exits. The container image is stored in a private registry. Which Docker command should be used to run the container and automatically remove it after it exits?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
docker run --rm private.registry.com/batch:latest
The `docker run --rm` command automatically removes the container after it exits, which is ideal for batch jobs that should not leave behind stopped containers. The image reference `private.registry.com/batch:latest` pulls from a private registry when not cached locally. This combination ensures the container runs once, completes its task, and is cleaned up without manual intervention.
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 --rm private.registry.com/batch:latest
Why this is correct
The --rm flag ensures the container is removed after it exits, and the image is pulled from the registry.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
docker exec runs a command in an existing container, not a new one.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `docker run` (creates and starts a new container) and `docker start` (restarts an existing container), and the trap here is that candidates may confuse `--rm` as a generic cleanup flag applicable to any Docker command, when it is only valid with `docker run`.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
docker exec runs a command in an existing container, not a new one.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `--rm` flag works by registering a cleanup handler that removes the container's writable layer and metadata from the filesystem (typically under `/var/lib/docker/containers/`) as soon as the container's main process exits. For batch jobs, this prevents accumulation of stopped containers, which can consume disk space and clutter `docker ps -a` output. In a CI/CD pipeline, using `--rm` with a private registry image ensures ephemeral execution without manual cleanup steps.
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.
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 --rm private.registry.com/batch:latest — The `docker run --rm` command automatically removes the container after it exits, which is ideal for batch jobs that should not leave behind stopped containers. The image reference `private.registry.com/batch:latest` pulls from a private registry when not cached locally. This combination ensures the container runs once, completes its task, and is cleaned up without manual intervention.
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.
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Question Discussion
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