- A
trap - SIGINT
Correct. `trap - SIGINT` removes the custom handler and restores the default behavior (terminating the process).
- B
trap : SIGINT
Why wrong: Incorrect. `trap : SIGINT` sets an empty action (colon is a no-op), which also ignores the signal, similar to `trap '' SIGINT`. It does not restore the default.
- C
trap 2
Why wrong: Incorrect. `trap 2` is invalid syntax; it would attempt to set a trap with command '2' for signal 2 (SIGINT). It does not restore the default.
- D
trap SIGINT
Why wrong: Incorrect. `trap SIGINT` alone is incomplete; it expects a command. It does not restore the default handler.
Question 333 of 537
Restoring Default Signal Handling with trap: Reset SIGINT
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create simple shell scripts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 complex script uses 'trap' to handle signals. The admin writes 'trap '' SIGINT' to ignore Ctrl+C, but later in the script they want to re-enable the default behavior. Which command restores the default behavior for SIGINT?
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.
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
✓
trap - SIGINT
Option A is correct because `trap - SIGINT` resets the signal handler for SIGINT to its default behavior. The `trap '' SIGINT` command sets an empty action, which ignores the signal; using `trap - signal` removes that custom handler and restores the default action (typically terminating the process).
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.
- ✓
trap - SIGINT
Why this is correct
Correct. `trap - SIGINT` removes the custom handler and restores the default behavior (terminating the process).
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.
- ✗
trap : SIGINT
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `trap : SIGINT` sets an empty action (colon is a no-op), which also ignores the signal, similar to `trap '' SIGINT`. It does not restore the default.
- ✗
trap 2
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `trap 2` is invalid syntax; it would attempt to set a trap with command '2' for signal 2 (SIGINT). It does not restore the default.
- ✗
trap SIGINT
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `trap SIGINT` alone is incomplete; it expects a command. It does not restore the default handler.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The RHCSA exam often tests the subtle distinction between `trap '' signal` (ignore) and `trap - signal` (restore default), where candidates mistakenly think `trap signal` or `trap : signal` resets the handler.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Incorrect. `trap : SIGINT` sets an empty action (colon is a no-op), which also ignores the signal, similar to `trap '' SIGINT`. It does not restore the default.
Command / output trap
Incorrect. `trap 2` is invalid syntax; it would attempt to set a trap with command '2' for signal 2 (SIGINT). It does not restore the default.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `trap` built-in uses `trap - signal` to reset a signal to its default disposition, as defined by the POSIX standard. The default action for SIGINT is to terminate the process, but if the script is interactive, the shell may also send SIGINT to the foreground process group. In real-world scripts, restoring default behavior is critical after ignoring signals during critical sections (e.g., file operations) to allow user interrupts again.
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 EX200 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Create simple shell scripts — This question tests Create simple shell scripts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: trap - SIGINT — Option A is correct because `trap - SIGINT` resets the signal handler for SIGINT to its default behavior. The `trap '' SIGINT` command sets an empty action, which ignores the signal; using `trap - signal` removes that custom handler and restores the default action (typically terminating the process).
What should I do if I get this EX200 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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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