LFCS Essential Commands Practice Question
To compress a file while preserving the original file, which command should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Linux Foundation often tests the default behavior of `gzip` (which deletes the original) versus the `-k` flag, trapping candidates who assume compression always preserves the source file without an explicit option.
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
✓
gzip -k file.txt
The `-k` (or `--keep`) flag in `gzip` instructs the utility to compress the file while retaining the original uncompressed file. By default, `gzip` replaces the original file with a compressed version (appending `.gz`), so `-k` is the explicit option to preserve the source file.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
gzip file.txt
Why it's wrong here
This compresses but removes the original.
- ✗
gzip -d file.txt.gz
Why it's wrong here
This decompresses the file, not compresses.
- ✗
gzip -1 file.txt
Why it's wrong here
This compresses with level 1, but still removes the original unless -k is also used.
- ✓
gzip -k file.txt
Why this is correct
The -k option keeps the original file after compression.
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