Quick Answer
The answer is the `show | compare` command. This is correct because it directly displays the configuration differences between the candidate configuration and the active configuration, showing only the lines that will be added, modified, or deleted upon commit. In Junos, the pipe to compare acts as a diff tool, filtering the output to highlight pending changes without showing the entire configuration. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this command tests your understanding of operational mode workflow and commit confirmation; a common trap is confusing it with `show configuration | display set` or `commit check`, which validate syntax but do not show differences. Remember the memory tip: "Compare before you commit" — think of the pipe symbol as a filter that reveals only what will change, making it the go-to tool for reviewing pending edits.
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.
After a series of configuration changes, an engineer wants to see only the lines that will be added or modified when the candidate is committed. Which command achieves 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 | except
Why wrong: Excludes lines matching a pattern, not showing differences.
show configuration | display set
Why wrong: Displays the candidate configuration in set format, not the differences.
commit check | match
Why wrong: Validates syntax and can filter output, but does not show differences.
show | compare
In configuration mode, shows lines that will be added, modified, or deleted upon commit.
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 D is correct because the 'show | compare' command displays the differences between the candidate configuration and the active configuration, showing only the lines that will be added, modified, or deleted upon commit. This is the standard Junos method for reviewing pending changes before committing them.
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 | except
Why it's wrong here
Excludes lines matching a pattern, not showing differences.
show configuration | display set
Why it's wrong here
Displays the candidate configuration in set format, not the differences.
commit check | match
Why it's wrong here
Validates syntax and can filter output, but does not show differences.
show | compare
Why this is correct
In configuration mode, shows lines that will be added, modified, or deleted upon commit.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show | compare' with 'show configuration | display set' or 'commit check', thinking that displaying the full candidate configuration or validating syntax is equivalent to viewing only the changes, but only 'show | compare' provides the targeted diff output.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Excludes lines matching a pattern, not showing differences.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, 'show | compare' uses the Junos XML API to retrieve the candidate and active configurations, then performs a line-by-line diff using a context-aware algorithm that respects configuration hierarchy and nested statements. In real-world scenarios, this command is essential for change management audits, allowing engineers to verify that only intended changes are staged before committing, especially in production environments where unintended modifications could cause outages.
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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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 D is correct because the 'show | compare' command displays the differences between the candidate configuration and the active configuration, showing only the lines that will be added, modified, or deleted upon commit. This is the standard Junos method for reviewing pending changes before committing them.
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.
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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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