LPIC-1 Shells, Scripting and Data Management Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are true about the 'source' command in bash?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse 'source' with executing a script directly (which requires execute permission and runs in a subshell), or mistakenly think the dot abbreviation is a bash-only feature, when it is actually defined by POSIX.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It can be abbreviated as '.' (dot).
The 'source' command can be abbreviated as a single dot ('.') in bash and other POSIX-compliant shells. This dot notation is a standard feature defined by POSIX, and both forms execute the script in the current shell environment, not a subshell.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It executes a script in a subshell.
Why it's wrong here
source runs in the current shell.
- ✗
It is only available in bash and not in POSIX sh.
Why it's wrong here
The '.' form is available in POSIX sh.
- ✓
It can be abbreviated as '.' (dot).
Why this is correct
The dot is a synonym for source.
- ✓
It executes a script in the current shell.
Why this is correct
Commands are executed in the current environment.
- ✗
It requires the script to have execute permission.
Why it's wrong here
Only read permission is needed.
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This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 exam.