The answer is to run `mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1 && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data ext4 defaults 0 2' >> /etc/fstab && mount -a`. This sequence is correct because it first creates the ext4 filesystem on the specified partition, then appends a persistent mount entry to `/etc/fstab` with the correct filesystem type and mount point, and finally executes `mount -a` to immediately mount all filesystems listed in fstab without rebooting. On the LPIC-2 exam, this question tests your understanding of the complete workflow for persistently mounting a filesystem: creating it, configuring automatic mounting, and verifying the mount in one command chain. A common trap is forgetting the `mount -a` step or misplacing the dump and pass fields (0 2) in the fstab entry. Remember the mnemonic "Create, Configure, Confirm" — or simply think of the three commands as "make it, write it, mount it" to avoid missing any step.
LPIC-2 Practice Question: Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of block devices, filesystems and advanced storage. 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.
A system administrator needs to create a new 500 MB ext4 filesystem on /dev/sdb1 and mount it persistently at /data. Which set of commands accomplishes this task?
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 && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data ext4 defaults 0 2' >> /etc/fstab && mount -a
Option D is correct because it first creates an ext4 filesystem on /dev/sdb1 using mkfs.ext4, then appends a mount entry to /etc/fstab with the correct filesystem type (ext4) and mount point (/data), and finally runs mount -a to mount all filesystems from fstab, including the new one. This sequence ensures the filesystem is created, persistently configured, and immediately mounted.
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.
✗
mkfs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1 && mount /dev/sdb1 /data
Why it's wrong here
Mounts immediately but not persistently; no fstab entry.
✗
blkid /dev/sdb1 && echo 'UUID=... /data ext4 defaults 0 2' >> /etc/fstab && mount -a
Why it's wrong here
blkid only displays UUID, does not create filesystem.
✗
mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1 && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data xfs defaults 0 2' >> /etc/fstab && mount -a
Why it's wrong here
Uses XFS instead of ext4.
✓
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1 && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data ext4 defaults 0 2' >> /etc/fstab && mount -a
Why this is correct
Correctly creates ext4 filesystem and adds fstab entry for persistent mount.
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 may choose Option A because it seems to create and mount the filesystem, but they overlook the requirement for persistent mounting via /etc/fstab, or they may pick Option C because they confuse ext4 with XFS, not reading the filesystem type specification carefully.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The mkfs.ext4 command creates an ext4 filesystem with default parameters (e.g., 256-byte inodes, 4 KiB blocks, and a reserved block count of 5% for root). The /etc/fstab entry uses the 'defaults' mount option, which includes rw, suid, dev, exec, auto, nouser, and async; the '0 2' at the end means the filesystem is not dumped (0) and will be checked on boot with a priority of 2 (after the root filesystem). In real-world scenarios, using UUIDs in fstab is more robust than device names like /dev/sdb1, as device names can change (e.g., after adding or removing disks), but the question's correct answer uses the device name, which is acceptable for this fixed scenario.
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.
Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — This question tests Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1 && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data ext4 defaults 0 2' >> /etc/fstab && mount -a — Option D is correct because it first creates an ext4 filesystem on /dev/sdb1 using mkfs.ext4, then appends a mount entry to /etc/fstab with the correct filesystem type (ext4) and mount point (/data), and finally runs mount -a to mount all filesystems from fstab, including the new one. This sequence ensures the filesystem is created, persistently configured, and immediately mounted.
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.
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Question Discussion
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