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GNU and Unix CommandsmediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

LPIC-1 GNU and Unix Commands Practice Question

Network Topology
$ pythonversion$ ls -l /usr/bin/python*Python 3.9.1$ file /usr/bin/python/usr/bin/python: symbolic link to python3

Refer to the exhibit. A user runs 'python --version' and gets 'Python 3.9.1'. Which command would run Python 2 instead?

⚠ Common exam trap

Test-takers frequently assume `python` always refers to Python 2, but the question shows it is Python 3, so they must recognize that `python2` is the explicit command for Python 2, not `python3` or a version flag.

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

python2

On many Linux distributions, Python 2 and Python 3 are installed side by side, with the `python` command typically linked to Python 2 (or sometimes Python 3, depending on the distribution). However, in this scenario, `python --version` returns 'Python 3.9.1', indicating that `python` is linked to Python 3. To explicitly run Python 2, you must use the `python2` command, which is the standard binary name for Python 2.x installations.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • python --version2

    Why it's wrong here

    Invalid option.

  • python2

    Why this is correct

    python2 is a separate executable and will run Python 2.

  • python3

    Why it's wrong here

    python3 runs Python 3.

  • python2 --version

    Why it's wrong here

    Although python2 runs Python 2, the question asks for the command to run Python 2, not necessarily with --version.

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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.