Quick Answer
The answer is `du -sh *`. This command is correct because `du` (disk usage) with the `-s` flag summarizes each item individually, `-h` converts output into human-readable sizes like KB or MB, and the `*` wildcard expands to every non-hidden file and directory in the current directory, ensuring you see disk usage per file and directory separately. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between `du` options: a common trap is using `du -sh` without the wildcard, which only shows a total for the current directory, not each item. The exam often pairs this with `ls -lh` for file sizes versus `du` for actual disk blocks used. For a quick memory tip, think “star for each star”—the asterisk makes `du` check every item, not just the folder itself.
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.
Which command will display the disk usage of each file and directory in the current directory?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
df -h
Why wrong: df shows disk usage of mounted filesystems, not individual files.
ls -lh
Why wrong: ls shows file sizes but not cumulative directory sizes.
du -sh *
du -sh * displays the total size of each file/directory in human-readable format.
fdisk -l
Why wrong: fdisk lists partition tables, not disk usage.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
du -sh *
Option C is correct because `du -sh *` calculates and displays the disk usage of each file and directory in the current directory. The `-s` flag summarizes each item, `-h` provides human-readable sizes (e.g., KB, MB), and the `*` wildcard expands to all non-hidden entries in the current directory, making it the precise command for this task.
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.
df -h
Why it's wrong here
df shows disk usage of mounted filesystems, not individual files.
ls -lh
Why it's wrong here
ls shows file sizes but not cumulative directory sizes.
du -sh *
Why this is correct
du -sh * displays the total size of each file/directory in human-readable format.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
fdisk -l
Why it's wrong here
fdisk lists partition tables, not disk usage.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `df` (filesystem-level) and `du` (directory/file-level) disk usage, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly choose `ls -lh` thinking it shows disk usage, when it only shows logical file size and does not account for blocks or directory contents.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
df shows disk usage of mounted filesystems, not individual files.
Detailed technical explanation
The `du` command uses the `stat()` system call to retrieve the number of 512-byte blocks allocated to each file, which may differ from the logical size due to sparse files, block alignment, and filesystem overhead. In real-world scenarios, `du -sh *` is essential for identifying large directories or files when cleaning up disk space, especially in environments with quotas or limited storage, as it accounts for actual blocks consumed rather than apparent sizes.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: du -sh * — Option C is correct because `du -sh *` calculates and displays the disk usage of each file and directory in the current directory. The `-s` flag summarizes each item, `-h` provides human-readable sizes (e.g., KB, MB), and the `*` wildcard expands to all non-hidden entries in the current directory, making it the precise command for this task.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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