Quick Answer
The answer is the operational mode command `show configuration`. This is correct because Junos OS does not maintain a separate “running-config” like Cisco IOS; instead, it uses a single candidate configuration that becomes the active, committed configuration only after a `commit` operation. Therefore, to view the current configuration that is actively running on a Juniper device, you use `show configuration`, which displays the last committed configuration. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of Junos’s unique commit model and the distinction between operational and configuration modes. A common trap is confusing this with `show | compare` or `show configuration | display set`, which show changes or alternative formats, not the active config itself. Memory tip: think of “show configuration” as the Junos equivalent of “show running-config” in Cisco—just remember that in Junos, the running config is always the committed one.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of operational monitoring and maintenance. 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 network administrator wants to view the current configuration that is actively running on a Juniper device. Which operational mode command should be used?
show configuration
Displays the current active configuration.
show running-config
Why wrong: Cisco command, not valid in Junos.
show active-config
Why wrong: Not a valid Junos command.
show current-config
Why wrong: Not a valid Junos command.
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 configuration
In Junos OS, the operational mode command 'show configuration' displays the active, committed configuration currently running on the device. Unlike Cisco IOS, Junos does not use a separate 'running-config'; instead, the configuration is stored as a single candidate configuration that becomes active only after a 'commit' operation. Thus, 'show configuration' is the correct command to view the active configuration.
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 this is correct
Displays the current active configuration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show running-config
Why it's wrong here
Cisco command, not valid in Junos.
show active-config
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid Junos command.
show current-config
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid Junos command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates familiar with Cisco IOS may instinctively choose 'show running-config', but Junos uses a different paradigm with 'show configuration' to display the active committed configuration.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Cisco command, not valid in Junos.
Detailed technical explanation
Junos uses a commit-based configuration model where changes are made to a candidate configuration in configuration mode and then committed to become active. The 'show configuration' command in operational mode reads the active configuration from the /config/juniper.conf.gz file, which is the authoritative source of the running state. In contrast, Cisco IOS maintains separate running and startup configurations, requiring distinct commands like 'show running-config' and 'show startup-config'.
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.
Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — This question tests Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show configuration — In Junos OS, the operational mode command 'show configuration' displays the active, committed configuration currently running on the device. Unlike Cisco IOS, Junos does not use a separate 'running-config'; instead, the configuration is stored as a single candidate configuration that becomes active only after a 'commit' operation. Thus, 'show configuration' is the correct command to view the active configuration.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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