Quick Answer
The answer is `rpm -qf /etc/ssh/sshd_config`. This command works because `rpm -q` initiates a query of the RPM database, while the `-f` (or `--file`) flag specifically instructs the system to find which installed package owns the given file path, making it the standard tool for reverse-mapping files to their source packages in RPM-based distributions. On the LPIC-1 exam, this tests your ability to manage package metadata and troubleshoot configuration ownership, often appearing in scenarios where you need to verify package integrity or locate documentation files. A common trap is confusing `-qf` with `-ql` (which lists files in a package) or forgetting the file path must be absolute. To remember it, think "query file" — the `-f` flag stands for "file," so `rpm -qf` asks the database "which package owns this file?"
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of linux installation and package management. 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.
A Linux administrator is managing a server that uses RPM-based package management. They need to find which installed package provides the '/etc/ssh/sshd_config' file. Which command should they use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
rpm -qi /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why wrong: Shows package info, but expects a package name.
rpm -qf /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Queries the package that owns the file.
rpm -ql /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why wrong: Lists files in a package, not the package for a file.
rpm -qa | grep sshd_config
Why wrong: Lists all packages and greps, inefficient and may not work.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
rpm -qf /etc/ssh/sshd_config
The correct command is `rpm -qf /etc/ssh/sshd_config`. The `-q` flag queries the RPM database, and `-f` (or `--file`) tells RPM to find which installed package owns the specified file. This is the standard way to map a file back to its originating package in RPM-based systems.
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.
rpm -qi /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why it's wrong here
Shows package info, but expects a package name.
rpm -qf /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why this is correct
Queries the package that owns the file.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
rpm -ql /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Why it's wrong here
Lists files in a package, not the package for a file.
rpm -qa | grep sshd_config
Why it's wrong here
Lists all packages and greps, inefficient and may not work.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the purpose of RPM query options: `-qi` (package info), `-ql` (file list), and `-qf` (file ownership), and often pick `-ql` thinking it lists files, but fail to realize it requires a package name, not a file path.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows package info, but expects a package name.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the RPM database stores a manifest of every installed package, including a list of all files each package provides, along with their checksums and permissions. The `-f` flag performs a reverse lookup by searching the file index for a matching path, which is efficient even on systems with thousands of packages. In real-world scenarios, this is invaluable for troubleshooting configuration file ownership or verifying that a critical file like `sshd_config` hasn't been accidentally overwritten by a different package.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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Linux Installation and Package Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Linux Installation and Package Management — This question tests Linux Installation and Package Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: rpm -qf /etc/ssh/sshd_config — The correct command is `rpm -qf /etc/ssh/sshd_config`. The `-q` flag queries the RPM database, and `-f` (or `--file`) tells RPM to find which installed package owns the specified file. This is the standard way to map a file back to its originating package in RPM-based systems.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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