LFCS Service Configuration Practice Question
A Linux administrator wants to view the current resource limits (such as CPU and memory) applied to a running systemd service named database.service. Which command will display these limits?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that systemctl status or systemctl cat will display resource limits, when in fact only systemctl show provides the full set of runtime properties.
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
✓
systemctl show database.service
To view the effective resource limits of a running service, systemctl show is the appropriate command. It outputs all properties, including CPUQuota, MemoryLimit, and other cgroup-related settings. systemctl status and cat do not show the current effective limits, and list-dependencies is unrelated.
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 show database.service
Why this is correct
systemctl show displays all properties of a unit, including resource control settings like CPUQuota, MemoryLimit, and others. This command provides a comprehensive view of the service's current configuration, including limits, without needing to inspect the unit file.
- ✗
systemctl cat database.service
Why it's wrong here
systemctl cat displays the contents of the unit file and any drop-in snippets. While it may show configured limits if they are set in the unit file, it does not show the effective runtime limits, which could be modified by drop-ins or systemd defaults. It does not reflect the current active limits.
- ✗
systemctl status database.service
Why it's wrong here
systemctl status shows the service's active state, recent log entries, and main PID, but it does not display resource limits such as CPU or memory constraints. It is useful for checking if the service is running, but not for viewing cgroup resource controls.
- ✗
systemctl list-dependencies database.service
Why it's wrong here
systemctl list-dependencies shows the dependency tree of the service, indicating which units it requires or wants. It does not provide information about resource limits. This command is used for understanding startup ordering and dependencies, not for resource control settings.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Linux Foundation exam blueprint
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.