- A
head -f logfile
Why wrong: head does not have a -f option.
- B
less +F logfile
Why wrong: less +F also follows, but it's not the default; the question asks for 'which of the following' and tail -f is the most standard.
- C
tail -f logfile
Correct: -f follows the file.
- D
cat logfile
Why wrong: cat displays the whole file once, does not follow.
Question 359 of 1,000
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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.
Which of the following commands will display the last 10 lines of a log file and also output new lines as they are appended?
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
✓
tail -f logfile
The `tail -f logfile` command displays the last 10 lines of the file by default and then continues to monitor the file for new lines, outputting them as they are appended. The `-f` (follow) option keeps the file open and polls for changes, making it the standard tool for real-time log monitoring.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
head -f logfile
Why it's wrong here
head does not have a -f option.
- ✗
less +F logfile
Why it's wrong here
less +F also follows, but it's not the default; the question asks for 'which of the following' and tail -f is the most standard.
- ✓
tail -f logfile
Why this is correct
Correct: -f follows the file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
cat logfile
Why it's wrong here
cat displays the whole file once, does not follow.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse `tail -f` with `less +F` (which also works but uses a different syntax) or mistakenly think `head` can follow a file, but the exam expects precise knowledge of the `tail -f` command as the standard for real-time log viewing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `tail -f` uses the `inotify` (Linux) or `kqueue` (BSD/macOS) system calls to watch for file modifications, rather than polling, which reduces CPU usage. In real-world scenarios, this is essential for monitoring syslog, application logs, or audit trails where new entries are appended continuously, and the `-n` option can adjust the initial number of lines shown (e.g., `tail -n 100 -f /var/log/syslog`).
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: tail -f logfile — The `tail -f logfile` command displays the last 10 lines of the file by default and then continues to monitor the file for new lines, outputting them as they are appended. The `-f` (follow) option keeps the file open and polls for changes, making it the standard tool for real-time log monitoring.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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