The answer is `podman ps` and `podman container ls`. Both commands are correct because Podman is designed to be a drop-in replacement for Docker, so `podman ps` mirrors Docker’s familiar syntax for listing running containers, while `podman container ls` is the explicit, self-documenting form that follows Podman’s structured command hierarchy. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding that Podman offers multiple equivalent commands for the same task, and a common trap is assuming only one syntax is valid—candidates often forget that `podman container ls` is the full form. To list running containers, both commands filter by default to show only active containers; to see all containers, you would add the `-a` flag. A helpful memory tip: think of `ps` as “process status” for containers, and remember that in Podman, `container ls` is the long-form equivalent—just like using `ls` to list files, you use `container ls` to list containers.
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 Linux administrator uses Podman for container management. Which TWO commands display a list of currently running containers?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
podman container ls
Option D is correct because `podman container ls` is the explicit Podman command to list running containers, equivalent to `podman ps`. Option E is also correct because `podman ps` is the standard shorthand for listing running containers in Podman, mirroring Docker's `docker ps` syntax. Both commands display the same output of currently active containers.
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 ps
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Docker is not used in this environment; `docker ps` would not work.
✗
podman inspect
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: `podman inspect` shows detailed information about a specific container, not a list.
✗
podman images
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: `podman images` lists container images, not containers.
✓
podman container ls
Why this is correct
Correct: `podman container ls` is an alias for `podman ps`.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
podman ps
Why this is correct
Correct: `podman ps` lists running containers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume `docker ps` works identically in Podman due to CLI compatibility, but the exam expects Podman-native commands, and they may overlook that `podman container ls` is the explicit form while `podman ps` is the shorthand.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect: `podman inspect` shows detailed information about a specific container, not a list.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `podman ps` and `podman container ls` both query the container runtime state via the same internal data structure (the container store), filtering for containers with a status of 'running'. Podman is daemonless, so these commands directly inspect the filesystem-based container state without a central daemon, unlike Docker. In real-world scenarios, using `podman container ls` with flags like `-a` (all containers) or `--format` (custom output) is common for scripting and automation.
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: podman container ls — Option D is correct because `podman container ls` is the explicit Podman command to list running containers, equivalent to `podman ps`. Option E is also correct because `podman ps` is the standard shorthand for listing running containers in Podman, mirroring Docker's `docker ps` syntax. Both commands display the same output of currently active containers.
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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