Quick Answer
The answer is the `show configuration` command and the `show configuration | display set` command. These two commands are correct because they both retrieve the current active configuration from the Junos device, but they present it in different formats: the standard `show configuration` displays the configuration in a hierarchical, stanza-based structure, while piping it to `display set` converts that same active configuration into a flat, set-based list of individual configuration statements. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding that Junos does not have a separate “running-config” like other vendors; instead, the active configuration is always the candidate configuration that has been committed, and you must know the primary command to view it. A common trap is confusing `show configuration` with `show chassis` or `show interfaces`, which display operational state rather than configuration. For a quick memory tip, remember that “show config” shows what you have *set* in the device, and adding “| display set” simply rephrases that same configuration into the set commands used to build it.
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 active configuration on a Junos device? (Choose two.)
show configuration | display set
Displays the active configuration in set command format.
show system configuration
Why wrong: Not a valid command; 'show configuration' is used.
show configuration
Shows the active configuration in hierarchical format.
show | compare
Why wrong: Shows differences between candidate and active, not the entire configuration.
show interfaces
Why wrong: Shows interface status, not full configuration.
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 | display set
Option A is correct because the 'show configuration | display set' command displays the active configuration in a set-based format, which is a valid way to view the current active configuration on a Junos device. Option C is correct because the 'show configuration' command directly displays the active configuration in hierarchical format, which is the primary method to view the running 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 | display set
Why this is correct
Displays the active configuration in set command format.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show system configuration
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid command; 'show configuration' is used.
show configuration
Why this is correct
Shows the active configuration in hierarchical format.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show | compare
Why it's wrong here
Shows differences between candidate and active, not the entire configuration.
show interfaces
Why it's wrong here
Shows interface status, not full configuration.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'show configuration' with 'show system configuration' (which does not exist) or mistakenly think 'show | compare' shows the active configuration, when it actually shows differences between configurations.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Not a valid command; 'show configuration' is used.
Detailed technical explanation
Junos separates configuration into active (running) and candidate configurations; the 'show configuration' command reads the active configuration from the /config/active file, while 'show | compare' compares the candidate configuration (stored in /var/db/config/juniper.conf) against the active one. The 'display set' pipe option converts the hierarchical configuration into a flat set of commands, which is useful for scripting or for administrators familiar with CLI-style configuration. Understanding this distinction is critical for troubleshooting configuration mismatches in production environments.
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
User Interfaces — This question tests User Interfaces — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show configuration | display set — Option A is correct because the 'show configuration | display set' command displays the active configuration in a set-based format, which is a valid way to view the current active configuration on a Junos device. Option C is correct because the 'show configuration' command directly displays the active configuration in hierarchical format, which is the primary method to view the running 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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