- A
Edit the crontab file with 'crontab -e', add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script', then save and exit.
This is the correct order because you must first open the crontab file, then insert the properly formatted cron entry, and finally save to apply the changes.
- B
Add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script' to a new file, then save it as the crontab file using 'crontab' command.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because cron entries must be added via 'crontab -e' or by piping a file to 'crontab', not by manually saving a file; also, the order of creation and saving is swapped.
- C
Save and exit the crontab file first, then edit it again to add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script'.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot save before adding the cron entry; the entry must be present before saving for it to take effect.
- D
Exit the crontab editor immediately, then edit the file again with 'crontab -e' and add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script'.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because exiting without adding any entry leaves the crontab unchanged; you must add the entry during the same session.
Cron Job Configuration Steps in Order
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Put the steps to configure a cron job that runs a script every day at 2:30 AM in the correct order.
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
Edit the crontab file with 'crontab -e', add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script', then save and exit.
The correct sequence to configure a cron job is to first open the crontab file with 'crontab -e', then add the cron entry with the proper time format (minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week, command) as '30 2 * * * /path/to/script', and finally save and exit. This ensures the job is scheduled correctly and persists across reboots.
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.
- ✓
Edit the crontab file with 'crontab -e', add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script', then save and exit.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because you must first open the crontab file, then insert the properly formatted cron entry, and finally save to apply the changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script' to a new file, then save it as the crontab file using 'crontab' command.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because cron entries must be added via 'crontab -e' or by piping a file to 'crontab', not by manually saving a file; also, the order of creation and saving is swapped.
- ✗
Save and exit the crontab file first, then edit it again to add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script'.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot save before adding the cron entry; the entry must be present before saving for it to take effect.
- ✗
Exit the crontab editor immediately, then edit the file again with 'crontab -e' and add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script'.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because exiting without adding any entry leaves the crontab unchanged; you must add the entry during the same session.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 EX200 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Create and configure file systems — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Create and configure file systems practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Edit the crontab file with 'crontab -e', add the line '30 2 * * * /path/to/script', then save and exit. — The correct sequence to configure a cron job is to first open the crontab file with 'crontab -e', then add the cron entry with the proper time format (minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week, command) as '30 2 * * * /path/to/script', and finally save and exit. This ensures the job is scheduled correctly and persists across reboots.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which EX200 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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