LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
Which directory under the root filesystem is defined by FHS as containing variable data that may change in size, such as logs and spools?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse /var with /run or /tmp because both hold variable data, but the FHS specifically assigns persistent variable data (logs, spools) to /var, while /run is for volatile runtime state and /tmp for temporary files that may be cleared on reboot.
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
✓
/var
The Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) defines /var as the directory for variable data that changes in size during normal system operation, including log files (e.g., /var/log), spool directories (e.g., /var/spool/mail), and temporary files that persist across reboots. This is distinct from /tmp, which is cleared on reboot, and /run, which holds runtime variable data that is volatile and cleared at boot.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/opt
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: /opt is for optional software packages.
- ✓
/var
Why this is correct
Correct: /var holds variable data like logs and spools.
- ✗
/run
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: /run holds runtime process data, not spools/logs.
- ✗
/tmp
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: /tmp is for temporary files, often cleared on boot.
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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.