LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A kernel module has been recompiled. Which command updates the module dependency information?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse `modprobe` (which loads modules and their dependencies) with `depmod` (which builds the dependency database), assuming that the tool that loads modules also updates the dependency information.
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
✓
depmod
The `depmod` command is used to generate a list of module dependencies, stored in the modules.dep file, based on the symbols exported by each kernel module. After recompiling a module, this file becomes outdated, and running `depmod -a` (or simply `depmod`) rebuilds the dependency information so that tools like `modprobe` can correctly load modules and their prerequisites.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
depmod
Why this is correct
depmod generates modules.dep and map files needed by modprobe.
- ✗
modprobe
Why it's wrong here
modprobe loads modules and resolves dependencies but does not update the dependency database.
- ✗
insmod
Why it's wrong here
insmod loads a module directly without updating dependencies.
- ✗
modinfo
Why it's wrong here
modinfo displays information about a module, not updates dependencies.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.