XK0-006 Automation, Orchestration, and Scripting Practice Question
In a Bash script, a variable is assigned the output of a command using: result=$(ls -l). What is the purpose of the $() syntax?
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
✓
It runs the command and assigns its output to the variable
The $() syntax is command substitution, which captures the output of a command and stores it in a variable.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It runs the command and assigns its output to the variable
Why this is correct
Correct. Command substitution runs the command and returns its stdout.
- ✗
It expands the variable result
Why it's wrong here
No, that's the purpose of $result.
- ✗
It checks if the command exists
Why it's wrong here
No, that's not the purpose.
- ✗
It runs the command in a subshell and discards output
Why it's wrong here
It captures output, not discards.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Logical Volume Management (LVM)
Key term
Output
In IT service management, output is the result or deliverable produced by a process, system, or component, such as data, reports, or services delivered to a customer.
Key term
Bash script
A Bash script is a text file containing a sequence of commands for the Unix shell Bash, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline system administration on Linux and macOS.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.