The answer is `show | compare`. This command is the correct tool for verifying that the candidate configuration matches the active configuration because it displays a line-by-line diff between the uncommitted candidate and the last committed active configuration in Junos. When the output is empty, it confirms the two configurations are identical, meaning no uncommitted changes exist. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this concept tests your understanding of the Junos commit model and the distinction between the candidate and active configurations—a common trap is confusing `show configuration` (which only shows the candidate) with `show | compare` (which shows the difference). A reliable memory tip is to think of the pipe to `compare` as a “diff tool” that bridges the gap between what you’ve staged and what is running.
JNCIA-JUNOS Operational Monitoring and Maintenance Practice Question
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of operational monitoring and maintenance. 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.
Which command is used to verify that the current active configuration is the same as the candidate configuration?
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.
Why wrong: 'commit check' validates the syntax and semantics of the candidate configuration, but does not compare it to the active configuration. It ensures the configuration can be applied.
B
show configuration
Why wrong: 'show configuration' displays the candidate configuration, not the active. It does not compare with the active configuration.
C
show system configuration
Why wrong: This is not a valid command. The correct comparison is done using 'show | compare' or 'show configuration | compare'.
D
show | compare
The 'show | compare' command displays differences between the candidate and active configurations. If no differences are shown, the configurations are identical.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
show | compare
The command `show | compare` displays the differences between the candidate configuration and the active (committed) configuration. If there are no differences, the candidate configuration is identical to the active configuration. This is the correct way to verify whether the candidate configuration matches the active configuration in Junos.
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.
✗
commit check
Why it's wrong here
'commit check' validates the syntax and semantics of the candidate configuration, but does not compare it to the active configuration. It ensures the configuration can be applied.
✗
show configuration
Why it's wrong here
'show configuration' displays the candidate configuration, not the active. It does not compare with the active configuration.
✗
show system configuration
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid command. The correct comparison is done using 'show | compare' or 'show configuration | compare'.
✓
show | compare
Why this is correct
The 'show | compare' command displays differences between the candidate and active configurations. If no differences are shown, the configurations are identical.
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
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `commit check` (which only validates syntax) with a comparison command, leading them to select Option A, but `commit check` does not compare the candidate to the active configuration.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
'show configuration' displays the candidate configuration, not the active. It does not compare with the active configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `show | compare` uses the Junos XML API to retrieve both the candidate and active configurations and then computes a diff using a line-by-line comparison algorithm. This command is particularly useful in change management workflows where an operator must confirm that no uncommitted changes exist before performing maintenance or troubleshooting. A real-world scenario is when multiple engineers make changes; running `show | compare` before a commit ensures that only intended modifications are applied.
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.
Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — This question tests Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: show | compare — The command `show | compare` displays the differences between the candidate configuration and the active (committed) configuration. If there are no differences, the candidate configuration is identical to the active configuration. This is the correct way to verify whether the candidate configuration matches the active configuration in Junos.
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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.