Quick Answer
The answer is the `show | compare` command. This is correct because when executed in configuration mode, the pipe filter `| compare` directly compares the candidate configuration against the active committed configuration, displaying a diff-style output that highlights lines added with a plus sign, removed with a minus sign, or changed. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this command tests your understanding of Junos configuration management workflow, specifically the distinction between the candidate and active configurations. A common trap is confusing `show | compare` with `show configuration` (which only displays the candidate) or `commit check` (which validates syntax but does not show differences). The exam expects you to know that `show | compare` is the precise tool to show the candidate versus committed configuration changes. Memory tip: think of the pipe as a "difference lens" — you are piping the candidate configuration through a compare filter to see what has changed since the last commit.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of junos configuration basics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
While in configuration mode, an administrator wants to see the difference between the candidate configuration and the active configuration. Which command accomplishes this?
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.
show configuration
Why wrong: Displays entire candidate configuration, no comparison.
run show configuration
Why wrong: From configuration mode, this shows the active configuration, not a comparison.
show | compare
Shows changes between candidate and active.
show system commit
Why wrong: Shows commit history, not differences.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show | compare
Option C is correct because the 'show | compare' command, when executed in configuration mode, displays the differences between the candidate configuration and the active (committed) configuration. This pipe filter compares the current candidate configuration against the last committed configuration, highlighting additions, deletions, and changes, which is the exact requirement for seeing the difference.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
show configuration
Why it's wrong here
Displays entire candidate configuration, no comparison.
run show configuration
Why it's wrong here
From configuration mode, this shows the active configuration, not a comparison.
show | compare
Why this is correct
Shows changes between candidate and active.
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.
show system commit
Why it's wrong here
Shows commit history, not differences.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'show configuration' (which shows the full candidate config) with 'show | compare' (which shows only the differences), or they mistakenly think 'run show configuration' provides a diff, when it simply runs the same full-config display command from operational mode.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
From configuration mode, this shows the active configuration, not a comparison.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show | compare' command leverages the Junos OS pipe filter mechanism, which can be used with any operational or configuration mode command. When used in configuration mode without arguments, it defaults to comparing the candidate configuration against the active configuration; optionally, you can specify a commit ID (e.g., 'show | compare rollback 3') to compare against a specific previous commit. This is critical for auditing changes before committing, especially in multi-engineer environments where accidental overwrites must be avoided.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Junos Configuration Basics — study guide chapter
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Junos Configuration Basics practice questions
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FAQ
Junos Configuration Basics — This question tests Junos Configuration Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show | compare — Option C is correct because the 'show | compare' command, when executed in configuration mode, displays the differences between the candidate configuration and the active (committed) configuration. This pipe filter compares the current candidate configuration against the last committed configuration, highlighting additions, deletions, and changes, which is the exact requirement for seeing the difference.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An administrator wants to view the differences between the current candidate configuration and the last committed configuration. Which command displays this?
easyWhy C: The 'show | compare' command displays the differences between the candidate and the active (committed) configuration.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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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