JN0-106 Junos Configuration Basics Practice Question
A technician needs to load a new configuration file that replaces only the specific hierarchy paths present in the file, leaving all other existing configuration unchanged. Which load statement is appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse 'load merge' with 'load replace' or 'load override', mistakenly thinking 'replace' means partial replacement, when in fact 'replace' replaces the entire candidate configuration, while 'merge' is the correct command for targeted, non-destructive updates.
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
✓
load merge
The 'load merge' command is correct because it merges the contents of the specified configuration file with the current candidate configuration, adding or updating only the hierarchy paths present in the file while preserving all other existing configuration. This matches the requirement to replace only specific hierarchy paths without affecting the rest of the configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
load replace
Why it's wrong here
The 'load replace' command is not suitable because it replaces the entire configuration hierarchy specified in the file, rather than merging only the changed statements; if the file contains top-level configuration, this can wipe out all existing settings. Since the technician needs to preserve the current configuration and apply only the new changes, this command's aggressive replacement behavior would discard unrelated configuration.
- ✗
load set
Why it's wrong here
The 'load set' command is used to apply a file containing configuration mode 'set' or 'delete' commands, which are executed sequentially against the candidate configuration. While it may technically add statements, it is not the correct choice here because the question asks for loading a configuration file, which typically uses a hierarchical format; 'load merge' is the explicit command that handles both hierarchical and set-command files while preserving existing configuration. Additionally, using 'load set' requires the file to be in a specific command-script format, which may not match the technician's file.
- ✗
load override
Why it's wrong here
The 'load override' command is completely destructive for this scenario because it discards the entire existing candidate configuration and replaces it with the contents of the loaded file. This means any unrelated configuration not present in the new file would be permanently lost, defeating the technician's requirement to keep existing settings intact. Since the goal is to incorporate a new configuration file without affecting other parts, this command is the opposite of what is needed.
- ✓
load merge
Why this is correct
The 'load merge' command is the correct choice because it combines the contents of the configuration file with the current candidate configuration, adding or updating only the statements present in the file while leaving all other existing configuration untouched. It accepts both hierarchical configuration files and files containing 'set' commands, making it flexible for various file formats. This precisely matches the technician's need to load a new configuration file that applies changes without discarding existing settings.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This JN0-106 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks 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 JN0-106 exam.