Quick Answer
The correct answer is the `oneshot` unit type because it is specifically designed for services that execute a single task to completion and then exit, making it the ideal choice for a one-time script that must run after the network is up. In systemd, a `oneshot` unit can be configured with `RemainAfterExit=no` (the default) to indicate the service does not need to stay running, and it supports ordering dependencies like `After=network-online.target` to guarantee the network is available before the script executes. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of systemd unit types and their lifecycle behaviors, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose `simple` or `forking` units, which are meant for long-running daemons. A helpful memory tip: think of "oneshot" as "one shot, one kill"—the unit fires once, completes its job, and then stops, perfect for a setup script that runs after networking is ready.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 developer needs to run a one-time script after the network is up on a systemd-based server. Which unit type should be used?
forking
Why wrong: Forking units are for daemons that fork.
exec
Why wrong: Exec is not a standard service type.
simple
Why wrong: Simple units start a long-running process.
oneshot
Oneshot units run a single command and then exit.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
oneshot
The `oneshot` unit type is correct because it is designed for services that run a single task to completion and then exit, making it ideal for a one-time script that must execute after the network is up. In systemd, `oneshot` units can be configured with `RemainAfterExit=no` (the default) to indicate they do not need to stay running, and they support ordering dependencies like `After=network-online.target` to ensure the network is available before the script runs.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
forking
Why it's wrong here
Forking units are for daemons that fork.
exec
Why it's wrong here
Exec is not a standard service type.
simple
Why it's wrong here
Simple units start a long-running process.
oneshot
Why this is correct
Oneshot units run a single command and then exit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `oneshot` with `simple` or `forking`, mistakenly thinking a one-time script needs to remain running (`simple`) or fork into the background (`forking`), but systemd's `oneshot` is explicitly designed for tasks that exit after completion.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, systemd uses the `Type=` directive in service units to determine how to monitor the service's lifecycle. For `oneshot`, systemd considers the unit as 'started' once the main process exits, and it can be combined with `ExecStartPre` and `ExecStartPost` for complex one-time tasks. A real-world scenario is running a database migration script after the network is up, where the script must complete before dependent services start, and `oneshot` with `After=network-online.target` ensures proper ordering.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: oneshot — The `oneshot` unit type is correct because it is designed for services that run a single task to completion and then exit, making it ideal for a one-time script that must execute after the network is up. In systemd, `oneshot` units can be configured with `RemainAfterExit=no` (the default) to indicate they do not need to stay running, and they support ordering dependencies like `After=network-online.target` to ensure the network is available before the script runs.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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