easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are valid methods for…
Which TWO of the following are valid methods for debugging a Bash script? (Choose TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between syntax checking ('set -n' or 'bash -n') and runtime tracing ('set -x' or 'bash -x'), and candidates may mistakenly choose 'set -n' as a debugging method because they confuse syntax validation with execution debugging.
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
✓
Run the script with 'bash -x script.sh'
Running 'bash -x script.sh' enables an execution trace that prints each command and its arguments to stderr before executing it, which is a standard debugging method for Bash scripts. Option C is correct because adding 'set -x' at the start of the script achieves the same trace output, but from within the script itself, allowing granular control over which sections are traced.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Add 'set -r' to restrict shell
Why it's wrong here
Restricted mode, not debugging.
- ✓
Run the script with 'bash -x script.sh'
Why this is correct
Traces each command before execution.
- ✓
Add 'set -x' at the start of the script
Why this is correct
Enables tracing from that point.
- ✗
Run the script with 'bash -d script.sh'
Why it's wrong here
-d is not a valid bash debug flag.
- ✗
Add 'set -n' to check syntax
Why it's wrong here
Syntax check only, not debugging runtime.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Installing Linux and Package Management
Key term
Bash
Bash is a command-line interpreter that lets users interact with an operating system by typing text commands instead of clicking icons.
Key term
Bash script
A Bash script is a text file containing a sequence of commands for the Unix shell Bash, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline system administration on Linux and macOS.
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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.