LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
An application assumes its data is stored in /opt/app/data, but the /opt filesystem is running out of space. The administrator moves the data to /var/app/data. Which method will allow the application to continue accessing the data at /opt/app/data without modifying the application's configuration?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates choose symbolic links (options A or D) because they seem simpler, but they overlook that some applications or system services (e.g., those running under `chroot` or with `noexec` restrictions) may not follow symlinks, whereas a bind mount works at the kernel level and is fully transparent.
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
✓
Use mount --bind /var/app/data /opt/app/data
`mount --bind` creates a bind mount that makes the contents of `/var/app/data` appear at `/opt/app/data` without moving or copying files. The application continues to access the data at the original path, and the kernel transparently redirects all filesystem operations to the new location. This avoids modifying the application's configuration or creating a symbolic link that might not be followed by all programs (e.g., those using `chroot` or running with restricted permissions).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use ln -s /var/app/data /opt/app/data
Why it's wrong here
This is similar to A, creates a symlink; same limitations.
- ✗
Edit /etc/fstab to mount /var/app/data at /opt/app/data
Why it's wrong here
Mounting a filesystem to a non-empty directory will hide its contents; this would remove access to any existing data in /opt/app/data.
- ✓
Use mount --bind /var/app/data /opt/app/data
Why this is correct
Bind mount makes /var/app/data accessible at /opt/app/data, preserving all file attributes and paths.
- ✗
Create a symbolic link /opt/app/data -> /var/app/data
Why it's wrong here
Symlink works for most cases but can break with absolute paths or in chroot environments; not as robust as bind mount.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-1 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 LPIC-1 exam.