- A
The variable was declared with 'local', change to 'global' keyword
Why wrong: There is no 'global' keyword in bash. To make a variable global inside a function, either avoid using 'local' or use 'declare -g'.
- B
The script must be sourced (.) instead of executed to retain variables
Why wrong: Incorrect. Sourcing the script would make the function's variables available in the current shell if they are not declared local, but the issue is about function-local variables, not script execution context.
- C
The function was called inside a subshell, use 'export' to make it global
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'export' exports a variable to the environment, but does not change its scope. If the variable is local, exporting won't make it available outside the function. Also, calling in a subshell would not affect variable visibility after the function returns.
- D
In bash, variables declared in a function are local by default, use 'declare -g' to make them global
Correct. In bash, variables inside a function are global by default unless declared with 'local'. However, if a variable is declared with 'local', it is local. To explicitly make it global from within a function, use 'declare -g'. This is the best practice.
Variable Scope in Bash Functions: local vs declare -g
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create simple shell scripts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: local keyword. 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 junior admin writes a script that uses functions. They notice that a variable set inside a function is not available after the function call. What is the likely cause and best practice?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
In bash, variables declared in a function are local by default, use 'declare -g' to make them global
In Bash, variables are global by default unless explicitly declared with the 'local' keyword. The scenario describes a variable that is not available after the function call, which typically happens when the variable was declared with 'local'. To make a variable global even when declared inside a function, the best practice is to use 'declare -g', which explicitly sets the variable's scope to global. Option D correctly identifies this best practice. The other options are incorrect: Option A wrongly suggests using a 'global' keyword (which doesn't exist), Option B misunderstands sourcing (which only affects variable visibility in the current shell, not function scope), and Option C incorrectly attributes the issue to subshells when the function itself is not run in a subshell.
Key principle: local keyword
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The variable was declared with 'local', change to 'global' keyword
Why it's wrong here
There is no 'global' keyword in bash. To make a variable global inside a function, either avoid using 'local' or use 'declare -g'.
- ✗
The script must be sourced (.) instead of executed to retain variables
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Sourcing the script would make the function's variables available in the current shell if they are not declared local, but the issue is about function-local variables, not script execution context.
- ✗
The function was called inside a subshell, use 'export' to make it global
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'export' exports a variable to the environment, but does not change its scope. If the variable is local, exporting won't make it available outside the function. Also, calling in a subshell would not affect variable visibility after the function returns.
- ✓
In bash, variables declared in a function are local by default, use 'declare -g' to make them global
Why this is correct
Correct. In bash, variables inside a function are global by default unless declared with 'local'. However, if a variable is declared with 'local', it is local. To explicitly make it global from within a function, use 'declare -g'. This is the best practice.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
local keyword
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall in RHCSA is assuming that all variables in a function are local. In fact, they are global unless 'local' is used. The trap here is that candidates may think that 'local' makes a variable available globally (Option A), or that sourcing is needed (Option B), or that 'export' fixes it (Option C). The correct approach to make a variable global from within a function is 'declare -g'.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
There is no 'global' keyword in bash. To make a variable global inside a function, either avoid using 'local' or use 'declare -g'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Bash functions do not create a new scope unless the 'local' keyword is used; variables are global by default. However, if a function is called within a subshell (e.g., via parentheses or a pipeline), any variable assignments, even global ones, are lost when the subshell exits. The 'declare -g' option forces a variable to be global even when used inside a function, but it does not survive a subshell. A real-world scenario is a script that sets a configuration variable inside a function and expects it to persist — using 'declare -g' ensures the variable is available after the function returns, provided the function is not run in a subshell.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- local keyword
- declare -g
- Global variable
- Function scope
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
local keyword
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. local keyword 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.
Review local keyword, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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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 — local keyword.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: In bash, variables declared in a function are local by default, use 'declare -g' to make them global — In Bash, variables are global by default unless explicitly declared with the 'local' keyword. The scenario describes a variable that is not available after the function call, which typically happens when the variable was declared with 'local'. To make a variable global even when declared inside a function, the best practice is to use 'declare -g', which explicitly sets the variable's scope to global. Option D correctly identifies this best practice. The other options are incorrect: Option A wrongly suggests using a 'global' keyword (which doesn't exist), Option B misunderstands sourcing (which only affects variable visibility in the current shell, not function scope), and Option C incorrectly attributes the issue to subshells when the function itself is not run in a subshell.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Review local keyword, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
local keyword
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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