Quick Answer
The answer is blkid, which is one of the three correct commands to display block device information, alongside lsblk and blkid. The lsblk command reads the sysfs filesystem and the udev database to list all block devices, such as hard drives, SSDs, and partitions, showing their names, sizes, and mount points, making it the primary tool for viewing block device topology. On the LPIC-1 exam, this topic tests your ability to manage storage devices and understand the Linux device hierarchy, often appearing in questions that ask you to identify commands for querying device attributes or UUIDs. A common trap is confusing blkid with lsblk—remember that blkid focuses on filesystem attributes like UUID and LABEL, while lsblk provides a tree-like view of device structure. For a quick memory tip, think "blkid for IDs, lsblk for layout."
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. 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.
Which THREE of the following commands can be used to display information about block devices?
lsblk
Lists block devices.
free
Why wrong: Shows memory usage.
fdisk -l
Lists partition tables of block devices.
blkid
Displays block device attributes.
ip link
Why wrong: Shows network interfaces.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
lsblk
A is correct because `lsblk` lists all block devices (e.g., hard drives, SSDs, partitions) by reading the sysfs filesystem and the udev database, displaying their names, sizes, and mount points. It is the primary command for viewing block device topology.
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.
lsblk
Why this is correct
Lists block devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
free
Why it's wrong here
Shows memory usage.
fdisk -l
Why this is correct
Lists partition tables of block devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
blkid
Why this is correct
Displays block device attributes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ip link
Why it's wrong here
Shows network interfaces.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse `free` (memory) or `ip link` (network) with block device commands, or forget that `fdisk -l` and `blkid` also display block device information, not just `lsblk`.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows memory usage.
Detailed technical explanation
Block devices are storage devices that support random access and buffered I/O, such as /dev/sda. `lsblk` reads from /sys/block to show device hierarchy, while `fdisk -l` reads the partition table from the disk, and `blkid` reads the UUID and filesystem type from the device's superblock. In real-world scenarios, `blkid` is essential for identifying devices by UUID in /etc/fstab to avoid device name changes.
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 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: lsblk — A is correct because `lsblk` lists all block devices (e.g., hard drives, SSDs, partitions) by reading the sysfs filesystem and the udev database, displaying their names, sizes, and mount points. It is the primary command for viewing block device topology.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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