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LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question

Which command can be used to test the entire name resolution order as defined in nsswitch.conf?

⚠ Common exam trap

Many exam-takers choose `dig` or `host` because they are familiar DNS tools, but they fail to realize that these commands bypass the NSS configuration and only test DNS, not the full resolution order including local files or other sources like `myhostname`.

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

✓

getent hosts

The `getent hosts` command queries the system's Name Service Switch (NSS) configured sources in the exact order defined in `/etc/nsswitch.conf`. It uses the `gethostbyname()` or `getaddrinfo()` library calls, which respect the `hosts:` line in nsswitch.conf (e.g., `files dns myhostname`), testing resolution through each source sequentially until a result is found or all sources are exhausted.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
host
Why it's wrong here
Queries DNS directly.
✓
getent hosts
Why this is correct
Tests resolution via nsswitch.
✗
nslookup
Why it's wrong here
Queries DNS directly.
✗
dig
Why it's wrong here
Queries DNS directly, ignores nsswitch.

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LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

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