- A
chmod o+r /opt/app/data
Why wrong: This adds read for others, not the group; the group still cannot read.
- B
chmod 644 /opt/app/data
Why wrong: 644 sets rw-r--r--, which gives read to group and others; that works but also grants read to everyone, which may be too permissive.
- C
chmod g+r /opt/app/data
This adds read permission specifically for the group, which is the minimal required change.
- D
chown :developers /opt/app/data
Why wrong: This changes the group ownership but does not change permissions; the group still cannot read if permissions remain 600.
Question 323 of 750
How to Use chmod g+r to Allow Group to Read a File
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 help desk technician receives a complaint that a shared file in /opt/app/data cannot be read by any user except root. The file permissions are -rw-------. Which command will allow the group 'developers' to read the file?
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.
Quick Answer
The answer is chmod g+r /opt/app/data. This command is correct because the file’s current permissions, -rw-------, grant read and write access only to the owner (root), while the group and others have no permissions at all. By using chmod with the symbolic mode g+r, you add read permission specifically for the group that owns the file—in this case, the ‘developers’ group—without altering any other permissions. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permission management, a common scenario where a shared file needs group access. A frequent trap is confusing chmod with chown or attempting to use numeric modes incorrectly; remember that g+r is a direct, additive change. A helpful memory tip: think of “g+r” as “group plus read”—it only adds, never removes, so it’s safe when you need to grant access without risking existing restrictions.
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
✓
chmod g+r /opt/app/data
The file currently has permissions `-rw-------`, meaning only the owner (root) has read and write access. To allow the group 'developers' to read the file, you need to add read permission for the group. The command `chmod g+r /opt/app/data` adds read permission for the group, which is the correct approach. This directly addresses the requirement without altering other permissions unnecessarily.
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.
- ✗
chmod o+r /opt/app/data
Why it's wrong here
This adds read for others, not the group; the group still cannot read.
- ✗
chmod 644 /opt/app/data
Why it's wrong here
644 sets rw-r--r--, which gives read to group and others; that works but also grants read to everyone, which may be too permissive.
- ✓
chmod g+r /opt/app/data
Why this is correct
This adds read permission specifically for the group, which is the minimal required change.
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.
- ✗
chown :developers /opt/app/data
Why it's wrong here
This changes the group ownership but does not change permissions; the group still cannot read if permissions remain 600.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that examinees often confuse changing group ownership (`chown :developers`) with granting group permissions (`chmod g+r`), or they mistakenly apply permissions to 'others' (`o+r`) instead of the group, failing to realize that the group must have explicit read permission to access the file.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `chmod` command modifies file permissions using symbolic (e.g., `g+r`) or octal (e.g., `640`) modes. In this scenario, the group 'developers' must first be the file's group owner (which it already is, or can be set with `chown :developers`), and then group read permission must be explicitly granted. A common real-world scenario is a shared configuration file that needs to be readable by a specific team; using `chmod g+r` ensures only the designated group gains access, maintaining security by not opening the file to all users.
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 220-1202 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Linux Commands and File Permissions — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: chmod g+r /opt/app/data — The file currently has permissions `-rw-------`, meaning only the owner (root) has read and write access. To allow the group 'developers' to read the file, you need to add read permission for the group. The command `chmod g+r /opt/app/data` adds read permission for the group, which is the correct approach. This directly addresses the requirement without altering other permissions unnecessarily.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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