The correct answer is permission java.io.FilePermission "/var/log/-", "read"; because the trailing hyphen in the path pattern /var/log/- acts as a recursive wildcard that matches all files and subdirectories within the /var/log directory tree. This is the only syntax in Java’s FilePermission that grants access to an entire directory hierarchy, as opposed to a single asterisk which only matches files in the immediate directory. On the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam, this concept tests your understanding of policy file syntax and the distinction between wildcard patterns, often appearing in SecurityManager scenario questions where a candidate must choose between the single asterisk (for flat access) and the recursive hyphen (for deep access). A common trap is confusing the two: remember that the hyphen is like a recursive ladder going down, while the asterisk stops at the first floor. Memory tip: think of the hyphen as a minus sign that subtracts all boundaries beneath the directory.
1Z0-829 Java I/O API and Securing Applications Practice Question
This 1Z0-829 practice question tests your understanding of java i/o api and securing applications. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A Java application uses SecurityManager with a policy file. Which permission is required to allow the application to read all files in the /var/log directory, including subdirectories?
Option B is correct because the trailing '-' in the path pattern '/var/log/-' is a recursive wildcard that matches all files and subdirectories under /var/log, which is required to read all files in that directory tree. The permission grants 'read' access, which is the only action needed for reading files.
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.
"*" only covers files directly in /var/log, not subdirectories.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the single-level wildcard '*' with the recursive wildcard '-', leading them to choose option D which only grants access to files directly in /var/log, not subdirectories.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Java's FilePermission, the path pattern '*' matches all entries in the immediate directory (non-recursive), while '-' matches recursively through all subdirectories. The SecurityManager checks permissions at runtime for each file access, and without the recursive wildcard, any attempt to read a file in a subdirectory would throw an AccessControlException. This behavior is defined in the Java Security Architecture specification and is critical for applications that need to traverse directory trees.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
Java I/O API and Securing Applications — This question tests Java I/O API and Securing Applications — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: permission java.io.FilePermission "/var/log/-", "read"; — Option B is correct because the trailing '-' in the path pattern '/var/log/-' is a recursive wildcard that matches all files and subdirectories under /var/log, which is required to read all files in that directory tree. The permission grants 'read' access, which is the only action needed for reading files.
What should I do if I get this 1Z0-829 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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