LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
Which TWO of the following commands can be used to list all installed packages on a Debian-based system?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse `dpkg --get-selections` with a command that lists only installed packages, when in fact it lists all packages with their selection state (including those marked for removal), requiring additional filtering to isolate installed ones.
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
✓
apt list --installed
`apt list --installed` is a modern APT command that lists all installed packages on Debian-based systems. Option D is correct because `dpkg -l` displays the status and names of all packages known to dpkg, including those installed, effectively listing installed packages.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
apt-get check
Why it's wrong here
Checks for broken dependencies.
- ✓
apt list --installed
Why this is correct
Lists installed packages.
- ✗
apt-cache showpkg
Why it's wrong here
Shows package details, not a list.
- ✓
dpkg -l
Why this is correct
Lists all installed packages.
- ✗
dpkg --get-selections
Why it's wrong here
Lists packages with selection state, but can be used; however, not as direct as dpkg -l.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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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.