The answer is `cat /etc/resolv.conf` and `resolvectl status`, as these two commands directly display the current DNS resolver configuration on a Linux system. The traditional method, `cat /etc/resolv.conf`, reads the plain-text configuration file that lists nameserver addresses and search domains, while `resolvectl status` provides a comprehensive view of the resolver state managed by systemd-resolved, including per-interface DNS servers and cache statistics. On the LPIC-2 exam, this question tests your understanding of both legacy and modern resolver management, often appearing in the "Network Configuration" domain where you must distinguish between static file-based setups and dynamic service-managed configurations. A common trap is assuming `nmcli dev show` is always correct—while it can show DNS for NetworkManager-controlled interfaces, it is not a universal resolver command. Memory tip: think of `resolv.conf` as the "old school" file and `resolvectl` as the "new school" service—both are valid, but `nmcli` is only for NetworkManager-specific contexts.
LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of network client management. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO commands can be used to display the current DNS resolver configuration on a Linux system? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
nmcli dev show
The `nmcli dev show` command displays detailed network device information, including the DNS resolver configuration managed by NetworkManager. The `resolvectl status` command shows the current DNS resolver state and configuration as managed by systemd-resolved. Both commands are valid for viewing the active DNS resolver settings on a modern Linux system.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
dig localhost
Why it's wrong here
dig performs DNS lookups, it does not display configuration.
✓
nmcli dev show
Why this is correct
nmcli dev show displays network device details, including DNS configuration if NetworkManager is active.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
resolvectl status
Why this is correct
resolvectl status shows the current DNS resolver configuration if systemd-resolved is used.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
nslookup
Why it's wrong here
nslookup performs DNS lookups, it does not display configuration.
✓
cat /etc/resolv.conf
Why this is correct
Displays the contents of the resolver configuration file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume `cat /etc/resolv.conf` is always the authoritative source for DNS resolver configuration, but on modern systems with systemd-resolved or NetworkManager, this file may be dynamically generated or a stub, and the actual resolver state is better queried via `resolvectl status` or `nmcli dev show`.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The DNS resolver configuration on Linux can be managed by multiple services such as systemd-resolved, NetworkManager, or traditional glibc nss-dns. The `resolvectl status` command queries the systemd-resolved D-Bus API to show per-link DNS servers, search domains, and current resolver state, while `nmcli dev show` reads NetworkManager's internal state to display DNS settings applied to each network interface. In environments using systemd-resolved, `/etc/resolv.conf` is often a symlink to `/run/systemd/resolve/stub-resolv.conf`, making direct reading of that file misleading if the resolver is not using the traditional file-based configuration.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: nmcli dev show — The `nmcli dev show` command displays detailed network device information, including the DNS resolver configuration managed by NetworkManager. The `resolvectl status` command shows the current DNS resolver state and configuration as managed by systemd-resolved. Both commands are valid for viewing the active DNS resolver settings on a modern Linux system.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.