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XK0-006 Practice Question: A system administrator notices that the httpd…
A system administrator notices that the httpd service fails to start. Which command should be used to view the most recent log entries for that specific service?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often choose `systemctl status httpd` (Option A) because it shows recent logs by default, but they overlook that it only displays a truncated snippet (usually the last 10–20 lines) and is not the command for viewing the most recent or complete log entries for a specific service.
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 -u httpd
C is correct because `journalctl -u httpd` queries the systemd journal for log entries specifically associated with the httpd service unit. This command shows the most recent log messages for that service, including startup failures, error codes, and dependency issues, making it the direct and precise tool for troubleshooting a service that fails to start.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
systemctl status httpd
Why it's wrong here
Shows status and tail of logs, but not as comprehensive as journalctl for historical logs.
- ✗
dmesg | grep httpd
Why it's wrong here
dmesg displays kernel ring buffer, not application logs.
- ✓
journalctl -u httpd
Why this is correct
Displays journal entries for the httpd unit.
- ✗
tail -f /var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
Shows all messages, not filtered by service.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Process Management and System Monitoring
Key term
Dependency
A dependency is a piece of software, library, or package that another software application requires in order to function correctly.
Key term
systemd
systemd is a system and service manager for Linux operating systems that initializes and manages processes, services, and system resources after the kernel boots.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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