XK0-006 Troubleshooting Practice Question
A Linux administrator needs to find which process is using a specific file. Which command provides this information?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse `fuser` with `lsof` because both can identify processes using a file, but `fuser` is less detailed and not the primary tool for this task in the Linux+ exam context.
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
✓
lsof /path/to/file
The `lsof` command (List Open Files) is the correct tool to identify which process is using a specific file. When invoked with a file path as an argument, `lsof` displays the PID, process name, and other details of any process that has the file open. This directly answers the administrator's need to find the process using that file.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
lsof /path/to/file
Why this is correct
lsof shows processes that have the file open.
- ✗
fuser /path/to/file
Why it's wrong here
fuser can also identify processes using a file, but lsof is more common and comprehensive.
- ✗
strace /path/to/file
Why it's wrong here
strace traces system calls of a command, not pre-existing processes.
- ✗
ltrace /path/to/file
Why it's wrong here
ltrace traces library calls, not open files.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Process
In IT service management, a process is a structured set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective, such as managing incidents or changes, by transforming inputs into defined outputs.
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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