- A
count=$(ls -1A | wc -l)
Why wrong: Includes directories and other file types, not just regular files.
- B
count=$(find . -maxdepth 1 -type f -printf '.' | wc -c)
Prints a dot per file; wc -c counts dots, immune to spaces/newlines in filenames.
- C
count=$(stat -c%F * | grep -c 'regular file')
Why wrong: Glob * does not include hidden files; also fails if no files.
- D
count=$(ls -1 | wc -l)
Why wrong: Includes directories and hidden files; also fails with newlines in names.
- E
count=$(find . -maxdepth 1 -type f | wc -l)
find -type f lists only regular files; wc -l counts lines (assumes no newlines in filenames for simplicity).
Question 190 of 537
Count Regular Files: Using find and wc -c
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create simple shell scripts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO methods correctly create a variable containing the number of regular files in the current directory (excluding . and ..)?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
count=$(find . -maxdepth 1 -type f -printf '.' | wc -c)
Option B is correct because `find . -maxdepth 1 -type f -printf '.'` prints a single dot for each regular file in the current directory, and `wc -c` counts those bytes (dots), giving an accurate file count. This method avoids issues with filenames containing newlines or special characters, as it does not rely on parsing `ls` output.
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.
- ✗
count=$(ls -1A | wc -l)
Why it's wrong here
Includes directories and other file types, not just regular files.
- ✓
count=$(find . -maxdepth 1 -type f -printf '.' | wc -c)
Why this is correct
Prints a dot per file; wc -c counts dots, immune to spaces/newlines in filenames.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
count=$(stat -c%F * | grep -c 'regular file')
Why it's wrong here
Glob * does not include hidden files; also fails if no files.
- ✗
count=$(ls -1 | wc -l)
Why it's wrong here
Includes directories and hidden files; also fails with newlines in names.
- ✓
count=$(find . -maxdepth 1 -type f | wc -l)
Why this is correct
find -type f lists only regular files; wc -l counts lines (assumes no newlines in filenames for simplicity).
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 RHCSA often tests the distinction between `ls -1` and `ls -1A` (the latter excludes `.` and `..`), and the trap is that candidates overlook that `ls` output parsing is fragile and that `find` with `-printf` is a safer, more accurate method for counting files.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `find` command with `-maxdepth 1` restricts the search to the current directory only, and `-type f` selects only regular files. The `-printf '.'` action prints a single dot per file, which is safe even with unusual filenames because it does not output the filename itself. Using `wc -c` counts the bytes of the dots, which is equivalent to the number of files. This approach is robust against filenames with spaces, newlines, or other special characters that would break `ls` parsing.
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: count=$(find . -maxdepth 1 -type f -printf '.' | wc -c) — Option B is correct because `find . -maxdepth 1 -type f -printf '.'` prints a single dot for each regular file in the current directory, and `wc -c` counts those bytes (dots), giving an accurate file count. This method avoids issues with filenames containing newlines or special characters, as it does not rely on parsing `ls` output.
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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