- A
read
read reads a line of input and assigns it to a variable.
- B
printf
Why wrong: printf is for formatted output.
- C
cat
Why wrong: cat concatenates files, does not read interactive input.
- D
echo
Why wrong: echo prints text, does not read input.
Question 222 of 537
read Built-in: Capture User Input in Shell Scripts
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.
Which shell built-in can be used to read user input during script execution?
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
✓
read
The `read` built-in command is specifically designed to capture user input from standard input (stdin) during script execution, storing it in one or more variables. This makes it the correct choice for interactive scripts that require runtime input from the user.
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.
- ✓
read
Why this is correct
read reads a line of input and assigns it to a variable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
printf
Why it's wrong here
printf is for formatted output.
- ✗
cat
Why it's wrong here
cat concatenates files, does not read interactive input.
- ✗
echo
Why it's wrong here
echo prints text, does not read input.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the distinction between output commands (echo, printf) and input commands, expecting candidates to know that `read` is the only built-in among the options that directly captures user input into a variable.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
printf is for formatted output.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `read` built-in reads a line from stdin, splits it into fields based on the Internal Field Separator (IFS), and assigns each field to a variable. By default, it reads until a newline, but it can also handle special cases like reading passwords with `-s` (silent mode) or reading a specific number of characters with `-n`. In real-world scripts, `read` is essential for prompting users for configuration options or passwords, and it returns a non-zero exit status on EOF, which can be used for loop control.
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.
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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: read — The `read` built-in command is specifically designed to capture user input from standard input (stdin) during script execution, storing it in one or more variables. This makes it the correct choice for interactive scripts that require runtime input from the user.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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