010-160 Finding Your Way ON A Linux System Practice Question
Which shell variable typically contains the directories searched for command executables?
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
✓
$PATH
The PATH variable holds the colon-separated list of directories the shell searches for commands.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
$SHELL
Why it's wrong here
$SHELL indicates the current shell binary.
- ✗
$USER
Why it's wrong here
$USER holds the username.
- ✓
$PATH
Why this is correct
$PATH stores the location of executables.
- ✗
$HOME
Why it's wrong here
$HOME points to the user's home directory.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official LPI exam blueprint
This 010-160 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 010-160 exam.