Bird
0
0

Why does the SSH config file apply the last matching directive when multiple Host entries match a hostname?

hard📝 Conceptual Q10 of 15
Linux CLI - SSH and Remote Access
Why does the SSH config file apply the last matching directive when multiple Host entries match a hostname?
ABecause SSH merges all matching entries and uses the first directive found
BBecause SSH reads config top to bottom and later entries override earlier ones
CBecause only the first matching Host entry is used and others ignored
DBecause SSH randomly picks one matching Host entry
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Understand SSH config processing order

    SSH reads the config file from top to bottom.

  2. Step 2: Later matching Host entries override earlier ones

    If multiple Host entries match, directives in later entries override previous ones.

  3. Final Answer:

    Because SSH reads config top to bottom and later entries override earlier ones -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Last matching directive wins [OK]
Quick Trick: Later config entries override earlier ones [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Thinking only first match applies
  • Assuming directives merge with first priority
  • Believing selection is random

Want More Practice?

15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free

Free Signup - Practice All Questions
More Linux CLI Quizzes
Archiving and Compression - Why compression saves storage and bandwidth - Quiz 5medium Cron and Scheduling - Cron log monitoring - Quiz 8hard Cron and Scheduling - Cron log monitoring - Quiz 6medium Cron and Scheduling - Why cron automates recurring tasks - Quiz 11easy Environment and Configuration - History command and search - Quiz 10hard Package Management - Repository management - Quiz 1easy Package Management - Installing, updating, removing packages - Quiz 8hard Package Management - apt (Debian/Ubuntu) basics - Quiz 4medium SSH and Remote Access - SSH connection basics - Quiz 7medium SSH and Remote Access - Key-based authentication - Quiz 5medium