easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 A Linux service fails to start Practice Question
A Linux service fails to start. Which command should the administrator use to examine recent system logs for error messages related to the service?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose `tail -f /var/log/messages` out of habit from older SysVinit systems, not realizing that systemd-based distributions (which the XK0-005 exam focuses on) use journald as the default logging system, making `journalctl` the correct tool for service-specific log examination.
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
✓
journalctl -xe
The `journalctl -xe` command is correct because it displays the systemd journal with the `-x` flag adding explanatory context to log entries and the `-e` flag jumping to the end of the log, showing the most recent messages. This is the standard way to examine recent system logs for error messages related to a failing service in a systemd-based Linux distribution.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
journalctl -xe
Why this is correct
Shows recent journal entries with explanations.
- ✗
systemctl list-units
Why it's wrong here
Lists units but does not show logs.
- ✗
tail -f /var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
Generic log, may not be systemd-aware.
- ✗
dmesg -T
Why it's wrong here
Shows kernel messages, not service-specific logs.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
journalctl
Journalctl is a command-line tool used to view and query logs collected by the systemd journal, which stores system and application messages on Linux systems.
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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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 XK0-006 exam.