Quick Answer
The answer is to use the `trap` command to catch SIGINT and run a cleanup function. This is correct because when a user presses Ctrl+C, the terminal sends a SIGINT signal to the foreground process; by default, this terminates the script immediately without any cleanup. The `trap cleanup SIGINT` directive intercepts that signal, executes a predefined function (e.g., to delete temporary files), and then allows the script to exit gracefully. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding of signal handling and process control in Bash scripting—a common scenario where a long-running script creates temp files that must be removed on interruption. A frequent trap (pun intended) is forgetting to re-trap the default behavior after cleanup, so always include `exit` in your cleanup function. Memory tip: think of `trap` as a safety net—it catches the signal before it crashes your script, letting you clean up the mess.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of essential tools. 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.
An administrator wants to ensure that when a user presses Ctrl+C during a long-running script, the script cleans up temporary files before exiting. Which approach should the script use?
Use 'trap' to catch SIGINT and run cleanup.
Trap can execute commands on signal.
Use 'set -o ignoreeof' to ignore Ctrl+C.
Why wrong: Ignoring EOF does not prevent Ctrl+C.
Run the script in the background with '&'.
Why wrong: Backgrounding does not handle signals.
Use 'set -e' to exit on any error.
Why wrong: set -e exits on error, not Ctrl+C.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use 'trap' to catch SIGINT and run cleanup.
The `trap` command in Bash allows a script to catch signals like SIGINT (sent when Ctrl+C is pressed) and execute a custom function or command before exiting. By setting `trap cleanup SIGINT`, the script can remove temporary files or perform other cleanup actions automatically, ensuring a graceful termination.
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.
Use 'trap' to catch SIGINT and run cleanup.
Why this is correct
Trap can execute commands on signal.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use 'set -o ignoreeof' to ignore Ctrl+C.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring EOF does not prevent Ctrl+C.
Run the script in the background with '&'.
Why it's wrong here
Backgrounding does not handle signals.
Use 'set -e' to exit on any error.
Why it's wrong here
set -e exits on error, not Ctrl+C.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between signals like SIGINT (Ctrl+C) and EOF (Ctrl+D), leading candidates to confuse `ignoreeof` with signal handling.
Detailed technical explanation
The `trap` command works by registering a handler for a specific signal; when that signal is received, the shell executes the handler before continuing or exiting. For SIGINT, the default action is to terminate the process, but a custom trap overrides this. In real-world scenarios, scripts that create lock files or temporary directories often use `trap cleanup EXIT` to ensure cleanup even on normal exit, but `trap cleanup SIGINT` is specifically needed for interactive interruptions.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
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FAQ
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use 'trap' to catch SIGINT and run cleanup. — The `trap` command in Bash allows a script to catch signals like SIGINT (sent when Ctrl+C is pressed) and execute a custom function or command before exiting. By setting `trap cleanup SIGINT`, the script can remove temporary files or perform other cleanup actions automatically, ensuring a graceful termination.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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