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
# Script to count lines in files
for file in *.txt; do
wc -l "$file"
done
```
Consider the script in the exhibit. The script is run in a directory containing 'a.txt' and 'b.txt' but also has a subdirectory 'backup' with .txt files. What will be the output?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Line counts for 'a.txt' and 'b.txt' only
Option C is correct because the wildcard '*.txt' only matches files in the current directory, not subdirectories. It will count lines in 'a.txt' and 'b.txt' only. Option A is wrong because it does not include backup files. Option B is wrong because it would count subdirectory files only if the glob expanded to them, which it does not. Option D is wrong because the script will run without error.
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.
✗
An error because the for loop cannot iterate over files with spaces
Why it's wrong here
D is wrong; quoting handles spaces.
✗
Line counts for .txt files in 'backup' only
Why it's wrong here
B is wrong; the glob matches current directory.
✓
Line counts for 'a.txt' and 'b.txt' only
Why this is correct
C is correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Line counts for all .txt files including those in 'backup'
Why it's wrong here
A is wrong; the glob does not recurse.
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.
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: Line counts for 'a.txt' and 'b.txt' only — Option C is correct because the wildcard '*.txt' only matches files in the current directory, not subdirectories. It will count lines in 'a.txt' and 'b.txt' only. Option A is wrong because it does not include backup files. Option B is wrong because it would count subdirectory files only if the glob expanded to them, which it does not. Option D is wrong because the script will run without error.
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.
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Question Discussion
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