EX200 Create simple shell scripts Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create simple shell scripts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```bash
#!/bin/bash
# Script to test a condition
if [[ $? -eq 0 ]]; then
echo 'Success'
fi
```
A developer runs the script shown in the exhibit and always sees 'Success' printed, even when the previous command fails. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The $? variable captures the exit status of the [[ command, not the intended command
Option A is correct because $? is the exit status of the last command, which is the [[ command itself, not the command before the script. The [[ command returns 0 because the comparison is syntactically correct. Option B is wrong because $? is not the script's PID. Option C is wrong because [[ ]] does not return the negation. Option D is wrong because $? is set correctly but for the wrong command.
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.
✗
The [[ ]] syntax always evaluates to true
Why it's wrong here
C is wrong.
✗
The $? variable is only set after external commands, not builtins
Why it's wrong here
D is wrong; $? is updated after every command.
✓
The $? variable captures the exit status of the [[ command, not the intended command
Why this is correct
A is correct.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The $? variable always returns 0 in a conditional
Why it's wrong here
B is wrong.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
D is wrong; $? is updated after every command.
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.
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: The $? variable captures the exit status of the [[ command, not the intended command — Option A is correct because $? is the exit status of the last command, which is the [[ command itself, not the command before the script. The [[ command returns 0 because the comparison is syntactically correct. Option B is wrong because $? is not the script's PID. Option C is wrong because [[ ]] does not return the negation. Option D is wrong because $? is set correctly but for the wrong command.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "always". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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