- A
An exit code of 1 means success
Why wrong: Incorrect. Exit code 0 indicates success; exit code 1 is a general failure.
- B
A non-zero exit code usually indicates a failure
Correct. Any non-zero exit code typically indicates an error or abnormal termination.
- C
An exit code of -1 indicates a system error
Why wrong: Incorrect. Exit codes are in the range 0–255; -1 is not a valid exit code.
- D
If no 'exit' is used, the script exits with code 0
Why wrong: Incorrect. Without an explicit exit statement, the script exits with the exit code of the last command executed, which may not be 0.
- E
Using 'exit 1' in a script sets the exit code to 1
Correct. The exit command explicitly sets the exit code; exit 1 sets it to 1.
Question 75 of 537
Exit Codes in Shell Scripts: Meaning and Usage
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 of the following are correct statements about exit codes in shell scripts?
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
✓
A non-zero exit code usually indicates a failure
In shell scripting, exit codes are integers from 0 to 255. An exit code of 0 conventionally indicates success, while any non-zero value (1–255) indicates a failure or error condition. Option B is correct because a non-zero exit code usually signals that the command or script did not complete successfully.
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 exit code of 1 means success
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Exit code 0 indicates success; exit code 1 is a general failure.
- ✓
A non-zero exit code usually indicates a failure
Why this is correct
Correct. Any non-zero exit code typically indicates an error or abnormal termination.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
An exit code of -1 indicates a system error
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Exit codes are in the range 0–255; -1 is not a valid exit code.
- ✗
If no 'exit' is used, the script exits with code 0
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Without an explicit exit statement, the script exits with the exit code of the last command executed, which may not be 0.
- ✓
Using 'exit 1' in a script sets the exit code to 1
Why this is correct
Correct. The exit command explicitly sets the exit code; exit 1 sets it to 1.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall is confusing the default exit code: many candidates assume the script always exits with 0 unless 'exit 1' is used, but actually the default exit code is the exit status of the last command run in the script.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. Without an explicit exit statement, the script exits with the exit code of the last command executed, which may not be 0.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Exit codes are defined by POSIX and range from 0 to 255; values above 255 are reduced modulo 256. The shell's special variable $? captures the exit code of the most recent foreground command. A common real-world scenario is using exit codes in conditional chains (e.g., with && or ||) to control script flow, where a non-zero exit code can trigger error-handling routines.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: A non-zero exit code usually indicates a failure — In shell scripting, exit codes are integers from 0 to 255. An exit code of 0 conventionally indicates success, while any non-zero value (1–255) indicates a failure or error condition. Option B is correct because a non-zero exit code usually signals that the command or script did not complete successfully.
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
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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