Quick Answer
The correct answer is show cli history, because this Junos-specific command displays the terminal history of commands entered during the current CLI session, allowing users to recall and re-execute them without retyping. Unlike the commit history or system logs, which track configuration changes or system events, show cli history focuses solely on the interactive command-line input, making it an essential tool for troubleshooting and efficiency. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of operational mode commands versus configuration mode utilities, often appearing as a straightforward recall item. A common trap is confusing it with show system commit or show log messages, which serve entirely different purposes. To remember, think of “cli history” as your personal session scratchpad—it only remembers what you typed, not what the system did. A useful memory tip: associate “cli” with “command line input” and “history” with “your recent keystrokes,” so you instantly know it’s about recalling your own typed commands, not system events.
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.
Which command is used to view the terminal history of commands entered by the user?
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 system commit
Why wrong: This shows configuration commit history, not command history.
show cli history
This shows the history of CLI commands in the current session.
show configuration
Why wrong: This shows the active configuration.
show log messages
Why wrong: This shows system log messages, not CLI command history.
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 cli history
The 'show cli history' command displays the list of previously entered CLI commands in the current session, allowing users to recall and re-execute them. This is a Junos-specific command that provides a terminal history feature, distinct from the commit history or system logs.
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 system commit
Why it's wrong here
This shows configuration commit history, not command history.
show cli history
Why this is correct
This shows the history of CLI commands in the current session.
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 configuration
Why it's wrong here
This shows the active configuration.
show log messages
Why it's wrong here
This shows system log messages, not CLI command history.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'show system commit' (which shows configuration commit history) with 'show cli history' (which shows the terminal command history), as both involve 'history' but serve entirely different purposes.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows configuration commit history, not command history.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show cli history' command retrieves the command history buffer stored in the CLI process (mgd), which by default retains the last 100 commands per session. This buffer is session-specific and is cleared upon logout, unlike the commit history which persists across reboots. In real-world scenarios, this command is invaluable for auditing recent configuration commands or debugging when a user needs to recall a complex command sequence without scrolling.
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.
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FAQ
Junos OS Fundamentals — This question tests Junos OS Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show cli history — The 'show cli history' command displays the list of previously entered CLI commands in the current session, allowing users to recall and re-execute them. This is a Junos-specific command that provides a terminal history feature, distinct from the commit history or system logs.
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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