LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A system administrator needs to find out which kernel parameters were passed at boot time. Which command displays the kernel boot parameters?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse `dmesg` (which shows boot messages) with the direct kernel command line, or assume `lsmod` or `/proc/version` might contain boot parameters, when only `/proc/cmdline` provides the exact boot-time arguments.
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
✓
cat /proc/cmdline
The correct command is `cat /proc/cmdline` because the Linux kernel stores the boot parameters (also known as the kernel command line) passed by the bootloader (e.g., GRUB) in the virtual file `/proc/cmdline`. Reading this file directly displays the exact parameters used during boot, such as `root=`, `quiet`, or `splash`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
cat /proc/cmdline
Why this is correct
/proc/cmdline contains the boot parameters.
- ✗
dmesg
Why it's wrong here
dmesg shows kernel messages, but not specifically boot parameters.
- ✗
lsmod
Why it's wrong here
lsmod lists loaded kernel modules.
- ✗
cat /proc/version
Why it's wrong here
/proc/version shows kernel version, not boot parameters.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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