LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
Which TWO commands can be used to create an ext4 filesystem on a partition?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to think only `mkfs.ext4` is valid, overlooking that `mke2fs -t ext4` is an equivalent command, or they may confuse filesystem-specific mkfs wrappers (like `mkfs.btrfs` or `mkfs.xfs`) as being able to create ext4 filesystems.
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
✓
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
The `mkfs.ext4` command is a direct front-end for creating an ext4 filesystem, making option B correct. Option C is also correct because `mke2fs -t ext4` explicitly calls the ext2/3/4 filesystem creation tool with the ext4 type, producing an identical ext4 filesystem. Both commands ultimately invoke the same underlying `mke2fs` utility with the appropriate filesystem type.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
mkfs.btrfs /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
Creates Btrfs, not ext4.
- ✓
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
Why this is correct
Explicitly creates ext4 filesystem.
- ✓
mke2fs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1
Why this is correct
mke2fs with -t ext4 creates ext4.
- ✗
mkfs.msdos /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
Creates FAT filesystem.
- ✗
mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
Creates XFS, not ext4.
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