The answer is a missing or corrupted dynamic linker, such as /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2. This error occurs because when the kernel executes a dynamically linked ELF binary via the execve() syscall, it reads the PT_INTERP segment to find the program interpreter; if that interpreter file does not exist, the kernel returns "No such file or directory," even though the executable itself is present and valid. On the Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 exam, this question tests your understanding of the ELF loading process and distinguishes this error from a missing shared library, which produces a different message. A common trap is assuming the error means the binary is missing, but the key clue is that the file exists and is executable. Memory tip: think "interpreter missing, not the binary"—the kernel needs the linker to load the app, just like a car needs a key to start, even if the car is parked right in front of you.
LPIC-1 Shells, Scripting and Data Management Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of shells, scripting and data management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
$ ls -l /usr/local/bin/myapp
-rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 12345 Jan 1 12:00 /usr/local/bin/myapp
$ file /usr/local/bin/myapp
/usr/local/bin/myapp: ELF 64-bit LSB executable, x86-64, version 1 (SYSV), dynamically linked, interpreter /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2, for GNU/Linux 2.6.32, stripped
$ ldd /usr/local/bin/myapp
linux-vdso.so.1 (0x00007ffe5a3b0000)
libc.so.6 => /lib64/libc.so.6 (0x00007f9a8b200000)
/lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00007f9a8b600000)
A user reports that running '/usr/local/bin/myapp' from the command line results in 'bash: /usr/local/bin/myapp: No such file or directory'. The exhibit shows the file exists and is a valid executable. What is the most likely cause of the error?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The dynamic linker /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 is missing or corrupted.
When a dynamically linked executable exists and is valid but fails with 'No such file or directory', the most common cause is that the dynamic linker (e.g., /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2) is missing or corrupted. Bash reports this error because the kernel's execve() syscall cannot find the interpreter specified in the ELF's PT_INTERP segment, not because the executable itself is absent. This is a classic symptom distinct from a missing library, which would produce 'error while loading shared libraries'.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The script interpreter specified in the shebang is missing.
Why it's wrong here
It's an ELF binary, not a script.
✗
The library libc.so.6 is missing.
Why it's wrong here
ldd shows it is present.
✓
The dynamic linker /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 is missing or corrupted.
Why this is correct
The binary uses this interpreter; if missing, loading fails.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The file does not have execute permission for the user.
Why it's wrong here
The file has execute permission for all.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the 'No such file or directory' error for the executable itself with a missing library or permission issue, but the error actually refers to the dynamic linker that the executable depends on, not the executable file.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
ldd shows it is present.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, when execve() is called, the kernel reads the ELF header and locates the PT_INTERP segment, which points to the dynamic linker (e.g., /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2). If that file is missing, the kernel returns ENOENT, and bash translates that into the 'No such file or directory' message. This can happen after a partial system update or when running a 32-bit binary on a 64-bit system without the 32-bit linker installed.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Shells, Scripting and Data Management — This question tests Shells, Scripting and Data Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The dynamic linker /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 is missing or corrupted. — When a dynamically linked executable exists and is valid but fails with 'No such file or directory', the most common cause is that the dynamic linker (e.g., /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2) is missing or corrupted. Bash reports this error because the kernel's execve() syscall cannot find the interpreter specified in the ELF's PT_INTERP segment, not because the executable itself is absent. This is a classic symptom distinct from a missing library, which would produce 'error while loading shared libraries'.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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