Quick Answer
The correct answer is using the `touch` command or the `>` shell redirection operator to create an empty file in Linux. The `touch` command is specifically designed to create a zero-byte file if it does not already exist, or update its timestamps if it does, making it the most straightforward tool for this task. Meanwhile, the `>` operator, when used without a preceding command, redirects nothing into a file, effectively creating a new empty file or truncating an existing one to zero bytes. On the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator LFCS exam, this question tests your understanding of file creation methods and shell redirection, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse `touch` with commands like `cat` or `echo`. A common memory tip is to remember that `touch` literally “touches” the file into existence, while `>` is like an empty bucket you pour into a file—nothing goes in, so the file stays empty.
This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of essential commands. 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 TWO commands can be used to create a new empty file?
touch file
Creates an empty file if it does not exist.
mkdir file
Why wrong: Creates a directory, not a file.
cat file
Why wrong: Concatenates file content, does not create.
> file
Shell redirection creates an empty file.
echo 'text' > file
Why wrong: Creates a file with content, not empty.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
touch file
Option A is correct because the `touch` command is specifically designed to create an empty file if it does not already exist, or update its timestamps if it does. Option D is correct because using the shell redirection operator `>` with no command before it (or with a null command) creates an empty file by truncating any existing content or creating a new zero-byte file.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
touch file
Why this is correct
Creates an empty file if it does not exist.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
mkdir file
Why it's wrong here
Creates a directory, not a file.
cat file
Why it's wrong here
Concatenates file content, does not create.
> file
Why this is correct
Shell redirection creates an empty file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
echo 'text' > file
Why it's wrong here
Creates a file with content, not empty.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may think `echo 'text' > file` creates an empty file because they focus on the redirection operator, but the echo command always writes at least a newline, so the file is not empty.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `touch` uses the `utimensat()` system call (or older `utime()`) to update file timestamps, and if the file does not exist, it creates it via `open()` with `O_CREAT` and no data written. The `>` redirection operator works by the shell calling `open()` with `O_WRONLY | O_CREAT | O_TRUNC`, which creates a zero-length file or truncates an existing one. A real-world scenario: using `> /var/log/some.log` is a common way to clear a log file while preserving its inode and permissions, whereas `touch` is often used to create placeholder files for testing or to force a timestamp update for build systems like `make`.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the LFCS 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
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FAQ
Essential Commands — This question tests Essential Commands — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: touch file — Option A is correct because the `touch` command is specifically designed to create an empty file if it does not already exist, or update its timestamps if it does. Option D is correct because using the shell redirection operator `>` with no command before it (or with a null command) creates an empty file by truncating any existing content or creating a new zero-byte file.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation 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 LFCS exam.
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