Quick Answer
The answer is the `--exclude=/tmp` option. This is correct because the `tar` command’s `--exclude=PATTERN` flag instructs the archiver to omit any file or directory that matches the specified pattern, so `--exclude=/tmp` will skip the entire /tmp directory and its contents during archive creation. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your ability to manage backups and understand tar’s filtering capabilities, often appearing in scripting scenarios where you must exclude temporary or log directories. A common trap is confusing `--exclude` with `--exclude-from` (which reads patterns from a file) or forgetting that the path must be relative to the archive root. To remember, think “exclude equals skip”—you are telling tar to skip a specific directory by name. A useful mnemonic is “Exclude the Extra” to recall that `--exclude` removes unwanted directories from the archive.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of essential tools. 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 backup script uses tar to create an archive, but the administrator wants to exclude the /tmp directory from the backup. Which tar option should be added?
--exclude=/tmp
Excludes the /tmp directory.
--ignore-failed-read
Why wrong: Ignores unreadable files, does not exclude.
--exclude-from=/tmp
Why wrong: Reads exclude list from file /tmp, not exclude the directory.
-X /tmp
Why wrong: Same as --exclude-from; treats /tmp as a file with patterns.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
--exclude=/tmp
Option A is correct because the `--exclude=PATTERN` option in tar tells the command to skip files or directories matching the given pattern. By specifying `--exclude=/tmp`, the tar archive will omit the /tmp directory and all its contents, which is exactly what the administrator needs for the backup script.
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.
--exclude=/tmp
Why this is correct
Excludes the /tmp directory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
--ignore-failed-read
Why it's wrong here
Ignores unreadable files, does not exclude.
--exclude-from=/tmp
Why it's wrong here
Reads exclude list from file /tmp, not exclude the directory.
-X /tmp
Why it's wrong here
Same as --exclude-from; treats /tmp as a file with patterns.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `--exclude` (which excludes a pattern) with `--exclude-from` (which reads patterns from a file), leading them to pick option C or D, thinking they can pass a directory path directly to exclude it.
Detailed technical explanation
The `--exclude` option accepts shell glob patterns, so `--exclude=/tmp` matches the exact path /tmp at the root of the archive. If the backup is run from the root filesystem, this works cleanly; however, if the tar command is run from a subdirectory, the pattern may need to be relative (e.g., `--exclude=tmp`). In real-world scripts, administrators often combine `--exclude` with `--one-file-system` to avoid crossing mount points, ensuring that /tmp (which is often a separate tmpfs mount) is not included even if not explicitly excluded.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
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FAQ
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: --exclude=/tmp — Option A is correct because the `--exclude=PATTERN` option in tar tells the command to skip files or directories matching the given pattern. By specifying `--exclude=/tmp`, the tar archive will omit the /tmp directory and all its contents, which is exactly what the administrator needs for the backup script.
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 11, 2026
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