- A
zgrep file.gz
Why wrong: Searches text inside the archive, does not display entire contents.
- B
zless file.gz
Allows paging through decompressed data without permanent decompression.
- C
gunzip file.gz
Why wrong: Decompresses permanently, replacing the .gz file with the decompressed file.
- D
gzip -d file.gz
Why wrong: Decompresses permanently, overwriting the original file.
- E
zcat file.gz
Reads compressed file and writes to stdout without saving decompressed version.
Question 27 of 537
EX200 Essential Tools Practice Question
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.
Which TWO commands can be used to view the contents of a compressed gzip file without decompressing it permanently? (Choose two.)
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
✓
zless file.gz
Option B is correct because `zless` is a utility that allows you to view the contents of a gzip-compressed file page by page without permanently decompressing it. It internally decompresses the file on the fly and pipes the output through a pager like `less`, leaving the original `.gz` file intact.
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.
- ✗
zgrep file.gz
Why it's wrong here
Searches text inside the archive, does not display entire contents.
- ✓
zless file.gz
Why this is correct
Allows paging through decompressed data without permanent decompression.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
gunzip file.gz
Why it's wrong here
Decompresses permanently, replacing the .gz file with the decompressed file.
- ✗
gzip -d file.gz
Why it's wrong here
Decompresses permanently, overwriting the original file.
- ✓
zcat file.gz
Why this is correct
Reads compressed file and writes to stdout without saving decompressed version.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
In the Red Hat RHCSA exam, the trap is that candidates often confuse commands that view compressed files (like `zcat` and `zless`) with commands that permanently decompress them (like `gunzip` or `gzip -d`), leading them to select options that modify the file system.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Both `zcat` and `zless` use the same underlying decompression mechanism (zlib library) to read gzip files without altering the original archive. `zcat` writes the decompressed output directly to stdout, making it suitable for piping, while `zless` adds interactive paging. In real-world scenarios, these commands are essential for inspecting large log archives without consuming extra disk space or triggering accidental decompression.
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.
- →
Essential Tools — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Essential Tools practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: zless file.gz — Option B is correct because `zless` is a utility that allows you to view the contents of a gzip-compressed file page by page without permanently decompressing it. It internally decompresses the file on the fly and pipes the output through a pager like `less`, leaving the original `.gz` file intact.
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
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.
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