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XK0-006 Practice Question: Which shebang ensures maximum portability across…
Which shebang ensures maximum portability across systems for a Python script?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that hardcoding a common path like `/usr/bin/python` is safe, but the trap is that this path may point to Python 2 on many systems, while the question explicitly requires Python 3 and maximum portability.
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
✓
#!/usr/bin/env python3
`#!/usr/bin/env python3` uses the `env` utility to locate the `python3` interpreter in the user's `PATH`, making the script portable across different Unix-like systems where Python 3 may be installed in various directories (e.g., `/usr/bin/python3`, `/usr/local/bin/python3`). This shebang avoids hardcoding an absolute path, which is the key to maximum portability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
#!/usr/bin/env python3
Why this is correct
env uses PATH to locate python3, making it portable across different systems.
- ✗
#!/bin/python
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoded path may not exist on all systems.
- ✗
#!/usr/bin/python
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoded path may not exist; Python3 might be at a different location.
- ✗
#!/usr/local/bin/python3
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoded path may not exist in default installations.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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User and Group Administration
Key term
Utility
Utility, in IT service management, is the measure of a service's functionality that ensures it is fit for purpose by meeting the specific needs of the customer.
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.
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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.