Quick Answer
The correct answer is show interfaces terse and show interfaces extensive, as both commands retrieve the current operational state of an interface from the Junos OS kernel. The extensive variant delivers a deep dive into detailed operational state information, including current status, error counters, and packet statistics, while the terse variant provides a concise operational view that lists interface names, administrative status, link status, and protocol families. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between commands that query live operational data versus configuration-only commands like show configuration interfaces. A common trap is assuming only one command shows operational state, but both extensive and terse are valid—they just differ in verbosity. Memory tip: think of terse as the “quick glance” and extensive as the “full report,” but both are operational, not configuration.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of user interfaces. 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 TWO commands can be used to view the current operational state of an interface? (Choose two.)
show interfaces extensive
Shows detailed operational state.
show log
Why wrong: Shows log messages.
show configuration interfaces
Why wrong: Shows configuration, not operational state.
show interfaces terse
Shows operational state concisely.
show route
Why wrong: Shows routing table.
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 interfaces extensive
The 'show interfaces extensive' command displays detailed operational state information, including current status, errors, and statistics. The 'show interfaces terse' command provides a concise operational view showing interface names, administrative status, link status, and protocol families. Both commands query the current operational state of interfaces from the Junos OS kernel.
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 interfaces extensive
Why this is correct
Shows detailed operational state.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show log
Why it's wrong here
Shows log messages.
show configuration interfaces
Why it's wrong here
Shows configuration, not operational state.
show interfaces terse
Why this is correct
Shows operational state concisely.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show route
Why it's wrong here
Shows routing table.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'show configuration interfaces' (which shows the intended configuration) with commands that show the actual operational state, leading them to select option C instead of the correct operational commands.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows log messages.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show interfaces extensive' command retrieves real-time interface counters from the Packet Forwarding Engine (PFE) via the Junos OS kernel, including input/output errors, queue statistics, and media-specific details like optical power levels. The 'show interfaces terse' command is optimized for quick status checks, showing only the interface name, admin status (up/down), link status (up/down), and configured protocol families (e.g., inet, inet6). In a real-world scenario, 'show interfaces terse' is used for rapid fault isolation, while 'show interfaces extensive' is used for deep packet-level troubleshooting.
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.
User Interfaces — study guide chapter
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FAQ
User Interfaces — This question tests User Interfaces — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show interfaces extensive — The 'show interfaces extensive' command displays detailed operational state information, including current status, errors, and statistics. The 'show interfaces terse' command provides a concise operational view showing interface names, administrative status, link status, and protocol families. Both commands query the current operational state of interfaces from the Junos OS kernel.
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 11, 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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