The correct answer is to use the 'show configuration | save' command to write the configuration to a file, then transfer it via SCP to a backup server. This is the best practice because the 'show configuration | save' pipe command captures the exact, active Junos configuration in plain text and writes it directly to a specified file path, such as /var/tmp/config.txt, creating a portable snapshot that preserves the full syntax for audit and restoration. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of operational mode pipe commands and file management, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between 'show configuration' (which only displays output) and the 'save' variant that actually writes to storage. A common trap is confusing this with 'commit' or 'request system snapshot', which handle different tasks like activating changes or backing up the entire filesystem. Remember the memory tip: "Show and save, then SCP to the cave" — the pipe to 'save' creates the file, and SCP moves it securely off-box.
JNCIA-JUNOS Junos OS Fundamentals Practice Question
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of junos os fundamentals. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 company has multiple Juniper devices and wants to standardize configuration snapshots for backup and audit purposes. What is the best practice?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use 'show configuration | save /var/tmp/config.txt' and then transfer the file via SCP to a backup server
Option B is correct because it uses the 'show configuration | save' command to write the current active configuration to a file in /var/tmp, which can then be securely transferred via SCP to a backup server. This is the standard Junos method for creating a portable, text-based snapshot of the configuration for backup and audit purposes, as it preserves the exact configuration syntax and can be easily compared or restored.
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.
✗
Run 'commit and-quit' to save the configuration to the flash
Why it's wrong here
This commits the configuration but does not create a separate backup file.
✓
Use 'show configuration | save /var/tmp/config.txt' and then transfer the file via SCP to a backup server
Why this is correct
This automates the backup and stores a retrievable file.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the 'file archive' command to create a backup of the configuration
Why it's wrong here
The 'file archive' command is not used for configuration; it archives files but not automatically.
✗
Use the 'show configuration | no-more' command and copy the output manually
Why it's wrong here
Manual copy is error-prone and not scalable for multiple devices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the 'commit and-quit' command (which commits and exits) with a backup mechanism, or assume that 'file archive' is the correct tool for capturing configuration output, when in fact Junos requires explicit piping of the configuration output to a file for reliable backups.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The 'file archive' command is not used for configuration; it archives files but not automatically.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'show configuration | save' command pipes the output of 'show configuration' (which displays the candidate configuration if uncommitted, or the active configuration if committed) directly to a file, creating a plain-text representation of the Junos configuration hierarchy. This file can be transferred via SCP (using SSH for encryption) to a backup server, ensuring integrity and security. In real-world scenarios, this method is often automated in scripts (e.g., using Ansible or cron jobs) to regularly capture configuration snapshots, which are critical for disaster recovery and compliance audits.
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 JNCIA-JUNOS 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.
Junos OS Fundamentals — This question tests Junos OS Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use 'show configuration | save /var/tmp/config.txt' and then transfer the file via SCP to a backup server — Option B is correct because it uses the 'show configuration | save' command to write the current active configuration to a file in /var/tmp, which can then be securely transferred via SCP to a backup server. This is the standard Junos method for creating a portable, text-based snapshot of the configuration for backup and audit purposes, as it preserves the exact configuration syntax and can be easily compared or restored.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS 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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Why D: Option D is correct because the 'show configuration | save' command pipes the current active configuration (from the candidate or active configuration) directly to a file, allowing you to save it to a specified path like /config/backup.conf on the local flash drive. This is a standard method for exporting the running configuration to a file in Junos.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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This JNCIA-JUNOS 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 JNCIA-JUNOS exam.
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