EX200 Create simple shell scripts Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```bash
#!/bin/bash
for file in $(ls /etc/*.conf); do
echo "Processing: $file"
done
```
A system administrator writes the script shown. The /etc directory contains .conf files with spaces in their names (e.g., "my config.conf"). What is the most accurate description of the script's behavior?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script will split filenames with spaces into multiple words, causing errors.
Option D is correct because the script uses a for loop with `for file in /etc/*.conf`, which relies on shell globbing. When the glob expands, filenames with spaces (e.g., "my config.conf") are treated as separate words due to word splitting, causing the loop to iterate over each word rather than each file. This results in errors when commands like `echo` or `cp` receive broken paths.
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 script will correctly process all .conf files, including those with spaces.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: the script does not handle spaces properly.
✗
The script will only process the first .conf file and then exit.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: the for loop iterates over all tokens from the ls output.
✗
The script will not execute because of a syntax error.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: the syntax is valid, but the logic is flawed.
✓
The script will split filenames with spaces into multiple words, causing errors.
Why this is correct
Correct: command substitution with ls and no quotes causes word splitting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the misconception that globbing automatically handles spaces, when in fact unquoted expansions cause word splitting that breaks filenames with spaces.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect: the for loop iterates over all tokens from the ls output.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In bash, unquoted variable expansions and glob results undergo word splitting based on IFS (Internal Field Separator, default space/tab/newline). To safely handle filenames with spaces, one must either set IFS to newline only, use an array (`files=(/etc/*.conf)`), or quote the expansion (`"$file"`). This is a classic pitfall in shell scripting, especially when dealing with user-created files or logs that may contain spaces.
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 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.
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.
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 script will split filenames with spaces into multiple words, causing errors. — Option D is correct because the script uses a for loop with `for file in /etc/*.conf`, which relies on shell globbing. When the glob expands, filenames with spaces (e.g., "my config.conf") are treated as separate words due to word splitting, causing the loop to iterate over each word rather than each file. This results in errors when commands like `echo` or `cp` receive broken paths.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.