- A
[ -e file -a -w file ]
Why wrong: -e checks existence, but -w checks writability, not readability.
- B
test -d file -o -r file
Why wrong: -d checks if it's a directory, and -o is OR, not AND.
- C
[[ -f file && -x file ]]
Why wrong: -x checks executability, not readability.
- D
[ -f file -a -r file ]
This correctly checks both conditions using the -a operator.
Question 714 of 981
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.
In a bash script, an administrator wants to check if a file exists and is readable. Which of the following test expressions accomplishes this?
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 ]
Option D is correct because 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.
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.
- ✗
[ -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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In bash, the `test` command (synonymous with `[`) evaluates file attributes using operators like `-f` (regular file), `-r` (readable), `-w` (writable), and `-x` (executable). The `-a` operator acts as a logical AND within single-bracket tests, while `&&` is used in double-bracket `[[ ]]` tests. The `-e` flag checks existence but does not distinguish file type, and `-d` checks for a directory. Understanding these distinctions is critical for writing robust scripts that handle file operations correctly.
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.
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.
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Scripting, Containers, and Automation — study guide chapter
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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: [ -f file -a -r file ] — Option D is correct because 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.
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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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.
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