XK0-006 Automation, Orchestration, and Scripting Practice Question
In a bash script, an administrator wants to check if a file exists and is readable. Which of the following test expressions accomplishes this?
⚠ Common exam trap
The Linux+ exam often tests the confusion between file test operators (e.g., `-r` vs `-w` vs `-x`) and the misuse of logical operators (`-a` vs `-o`), leading candidates to select options that check the wrong attribute or combine conditions incorrectly.
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
✓
[ -f file -a -r file ]
The test expression `[ -f file -a -r file ]` uses the `-f` flag to check that the file exists and is a regular file, and the `-a` logical AND operator combined with the `-r` flag verifies that the file is readable by the current user. This matches the administrator's requirement exactly.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
[ -e file -a -w file ]
Why it's wrong here
-e checks existence, but -w checks writability, not readability.
- ✗
test -d file -o -r file
Why it's wrong here
-d checks if it's a directory, and -o is OR, not AND.
- ✗
[[ -f file && -x file ]]
Why it's wrong here
-x checks executability, not readability.
- ✓
[ -f file -a -r file ]
Why this is correct
This correctly checks both conditions using the -a operator.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
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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JA
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.