- A
while IFS=$'\n' read line; do echo "$line"; done <<< file.txt
Why wrong: <<< is a here-string, not file redirection; also incorrect IFS usage.
- B
while IFS= read -r line; do echo "$line"; done < file.txt
IFS= preserves leading/trailing whitespace; -r prevents backslash escapes; quoting prevents word splitting.
- C
while read line; do echo $line; done < file.txt
Why wrong: Missing -r causes backslash interpretation.
- D
for line in $(cat file.txt); do echo $line; done
Why wrong: Word splitting and glob expansion occur.
Question 422 of 537
EX200 Create simple shell scripts Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create simple shell scripts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A script needs to read every line from a file and execute a command on each line. Which code block is correct and handles whitespace correctly?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
while IFS= read -r line; do echo "$line"; done < file.txt
Option B is correct because it uses `IFS=` to preserve leading/trailing whitespace and `-r` to prevent backslash interpretation, ensuring each line is read exactly as it appears in the file. The `< file.txt` redirect feeds the file line by line into the `while` loop, which is the standard and safe method for line-by-line processing in Bash.
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.
- ✗
while IFS=$'\n' read line; do echo "$line"; done <<< file.txt
Why it's wrong here
<<< is a here-string, not file redirection; also incorrect IFS usage.
- ✓
while IFS= read -r line; do echo "$line"; done < file.txt
Why this is correct
IFS= preserves leading/trailing whitespace; -r prevents backslash escapes; quoting prevents word splitting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
while read line; do echo $line; done < file.txt
Why it's wrong here
Missing -r causes backslash interpretation.
- ✗
for line in $(cat file.txt); do echo $line; done
Why it's wrong here
Word splitting and glob expansion occur.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the distinction between `while read` loops and `for` loops with command substitution, trapping candidates who forget that `for line in $(cat file)` splits on all whitespace and expands globs, not just newlines.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `read` builtin with `IFS=` and `-r` is the only reliable way to handle arbitrary file content, including lines with leading spaces, trailing spaces, or backslashes. Without `IFS=`, the default IFS (space, tab, newline) causes `read` to strip leading/trailing whitespace; without `-r`, backslashes are treated as escape characters, merging lines or dropping characters. This pattern is critical in scripts processing log files, CSV data, or configuration files where whitespace and special characters must be preserved.
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.
- →
Create simple shell scripts — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Create simple shell scripts practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All EX200 questions
537 questions across all exam domains
- →
Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
EX200 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related EX200 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Operate running systems practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Operate running systems.
Configure local storage practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Configure local storage.
Create and configure file systems practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Create and configure file systems.
Deploy, configure, and maintain systems practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Deploy, configure, and maintain systems.
Manage users and groups practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage users and groups.
Manage security practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage security.
Manage containers practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage containers.
Create simple shell scripts practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Create simple shell scripts.
Essential Tools practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to Essential Tools.
EX200 fundamentals practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 fundamentals.
EX200 scenario practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 scenario.
EX200 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free EX200 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: while IFS= read -r line; do echo "$line"; done < file.txt — Option B is correct because it uses `IFS=` to preserve leading/trailing whitespace and `-r` to prevent backslash interpretation, ensuring each line is read exactly as it appears in the file. The `< file.txt` redirect feeds the file line by line into the `while` loop, which is the standard and safe method for line-by-line processing in Bash.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More EX200 practice questions
- A system administrator needs to find all regular files larger than 10MB in /var/log. Which find command should they use?
- A user needs to view the last 15 lines of a log file that is constantly being updated. Which command should they use?
- Which TWO statements about systemd journal and rsyslog are correct?
- A system administrator needs to ensure that a web server running Apache httpd starts automatically after a system reboot…
- Refer to the exhibit. The administrator wants to create a single file system that spans the entire 20 GB disk /dev/sdb.…
- A system administrator needs to ensure that the user 'jdoe' cannot log in via SSH but can still use other services like…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This EX200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat 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 EX200 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.