Quick Answer
The correct command is `tail -n 10 -f /var/log/syslog`. This works because `tail` with the `-n 10` flag first outputs the last ten lines of the file, while the `-f` (follow) flag keeps the process running, continuously displaying new lines as they are appended to the log in real time. On the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator LFCS exam, this tests your understanding of log monitoring and file descriptor behavior—a common trap is forgetting the `-n` flag, which defaults to ten lines anyway, but the explicit flag shows precision. The exam often pairs this with `less +F` as a distractor, so remember that `tail -f` is the standard for live streaming. A useful memory tip: think of “-f” as “forever follow” to recall that it never exits until you press Ctrl+C.
This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of operation of running systems. 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.
A system administrator wants to view the last 10 lines of the system log file '/var/log/syslog' and continue to watch for new lines as they are appended. Which command should be used?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
tail -n 10 /var/log/syslog
Why wrong: Displays only the last 10 lines once, does not follow.
less /var/log/syslog
Why wrong: Opens file in pager, but does not automatically follow; pressing 'F' would follow.
tail -n 10 -f /var/log/syslog
Shows last 10 lines and follows new entries.
head -n 10 /var/log/syslog
Why wrong: Displays the first 10 lines, not what is needed.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
tail -n 10 -f /var/log/syslog
Option C is correct because the `tail -n 10 -f /var/log/syslog` command first displays the last 10 lines of the file and then uses the `-f` (follow) flag to continuously monitor the file for new appended lines, outputting them in real time. This matches the requirement to both view the last 10 lines and watch for new entries.
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.
tail -n 10 /var/log/syslog
Why it's wrong here
Displays only the last 10 lines once, does not follow.
less /var/log/syslog
Why it's wrong here
Opens file in pager, but does not automatically follow; pressing 'F' would follow.
tail -n 10 -f /var/log/syslog
Why this is correct
Shows last 10 lines and follows new entries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
head -n 10 /var/log/syslog
Why it's wrong here
Displays the first 10 lines, not what is needed.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `tail -n 10` (static view) with `tail -f` (follow mode), or mistakenly think `less` with its Shift+F feature is the default answer, but the question explicitly requires a single command that both shows the last 10 lines and continuously watches for new lines.
Detailed technical explanation
The `tail -f` command uses the inotify (on Linux) or kqueue (on BSD) system calls to monitor file changes, polling for new data appended to the end of the file. In real-world scenarios, this is essential for live log monitoring during troubleshooting, as it allows administrators to see new log entries as they are written by system services like syslog-ng or rsyslog without repeatedly running the command.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Operation of Running Systems — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Operation of Running Systems — This question tests Operation of Running Systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: tail -n 10 -f /var/log/syslog — Option C is correct because the `tail -n 10 -f /var/log/syslog` command first displays the last 10 lines of the file and then uses the `-f` (follow) flag to continuously monitor the file for new appended lines, outputting them in real time. This matches the requirement to both view the last 10 lines and watch for new entries.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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