Quick Answer
The correct command is `podman run -d -p 8080:80 nginx`. This works because the `-d` flag instructs Podman to launch the container in detached mode, meaning it runs persistently in the background without tying up your terminal, while the `-p 8080:80` option performs port mapping by forwarding incoming traffic from host port 8080 to container port 80, where the nginx web server listens by default. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding of container lifecycle management and network configuration—a common trap is forgetting the `-d` flag, which would leave the container attached to your shell and block further commands. Remember that detached mode is essential for long-running services like web servers, and the port mapping syntax always follows the pattern `host_port:container_port`. A helpful memory tip: think of "detached" as "daemon" and "port mapping" as "p for pass-through"—so `-d` for daemon, `-p` for pass-through.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of manage containers. 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.
A system administrator needs to run a container that remains running in the background and executes a web server. Which podman command will correctly run the container detached and map host port 8080 to container port 80?
podman run -d -p 8080:80 nginx
Correct: -d for detached, -p 8080:80 maps host 8080 to container 80.
podman run -d -p 80:8080 nginx
Why wrong: Port mapping reversed; should be host:container.
podman run -d --expose 80 nginx
Why wrong: --expose only exposes port, does not publish.
podman run -d -P 8080:80 nginx
Why wrong: -P maps random ports, not specified.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
podman run -d -p 8080:80 nginx
Option A is correct because `podman run -d` runs the container in detached mode (background), and `-p 8080:80` maps host port 8080 to container port 80, which is the standard port for the nginx web server. This allows external traffic on host port 8080 to be forwarded to the nginx service inside the container.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
podman run -d -p 8080:80 nginx
Why this is correct
Correct: -d for detached, -p 8080:80 maps host 8080 to container 80.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
podman run -d -p 80:8080 nginx
Why it's wrong here
Port mapping reversed; should be host:container.
podman run -d --expose 80 nginx
Why it's wrong here
--expose only exposes port, does not publish.
podman run -d -P 8080:80 nginx
Why it's wrong here
-P maps random ports, not specified.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing the order of the port mapping (`host_port:container_port`) with the reverse, and mistaking `--expose` for a functional port publishing mechanism instead of a documentation-only flag.
Detailed technical explanation
The `-p` flag uses iptables or nftables rules (via CNI or netavark) to create a DNAT rule that forwards traffic from the host IP:port to the container's network namespace. In rootless Podman, port mapping uses slirp4netns or pasta, which requires the `net.ipv4.ip_unprivileged_port_start` sysctl to be set appropriately for ports below 1024. A real-world scenario is running multiple web server containers on the same host, each mapped to a different host port (e.g., 8080, 8081) to avoid conflicts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Manage containers — This question tests Manage containers — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: podman run -d -p 8080:80 nginx — Option A is correct because `podman run -d` runs the container in detached mode (background), and `-p 8080:80` maps host port 8080 to container port 80, which is the standard port for the nginx web server. This allows external traffic on host port 8080 to be forwarded to the nginx service inside the container.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A developer reports that a container running a custom web application is failing to start on a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 host. The container image is built from a Dockerfile that uses 'EXPOSE 8080'. The host firewall is enabled. Which action is most likely required to allow external access to the application?
mediumWhy A: The container image's EXPOSE 8080 instruction is metadata that documents the intended port but does not actually publish it. To make the container's port 8080 accessible from the host's network, you must use the '-p 8080:8080' option when starting the container with 'podman run' or 'docker run'. This creates a port mapping from the host's port 8080 to the container's port 8080, allowing external traffic to reach the application.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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