- A
mkfs.xfs /dev/sda1 && mkdir /data && echo '/dev/sda1 /data xfs defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Why wrong: Wrong device (/dev/sda1) and no mount command executed first.
- B
mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && mount /dev/sdb1 /data && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data xfs defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Correct sequence: creates XFS, mounts, and adds persistent mount.
- C
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && mount /dev/sdb1 /data && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data ext4 defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Why wrong: ext4 does not support extended attributes by default; need -o user_xattr option.
- D
mkswap /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && swapon /dev/sdb1 && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data swap defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Why wrong: Swap is not a file system for data; used for paging.
Question 243 of 537
EX200 Extended attributes Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. 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. A key principle to apply: extended attributes. 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 file system on /dev/sdb1 with a size of 10 GB and mount it persistently at /data. The file system should support extended attributes and be suitable for large files. Which command sequence achieves this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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
✓
mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && mount /dev/sdb1 /data && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data xfs defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Both XFS and ext4 support extended attributes by default in RHEL. However, XFS is optimized for large files and high performance, making it the recommended choice for this scenario. Option B correctly creates an XFS file system on /dev/sdb1, creates the mount point, mounts it immediately, and adds an fstab entry for persistence. Option C uses ext4, which is not as suitable for large files as XFS. Options A and D are incorrect due to wrong device or file system type.
Key principle: Extended attributes
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.xfs /dev/sda1 && mkdir /data && echo '/dev/sda1 /data xfs defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Why it's wrong here
Wrong device (/dev/sda1) and no mount command executed first.
- ✓
mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && mount /dev/sdb1 /data && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data xfs defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Why this is correct
Correct sequence: creates XFS, mounts, and adds persistent mount.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Extended attributes
- ✗
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && mount /dev/sdb1 /data && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data ext4 defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Why it's wrong here
ext4 does not support extended attributes by default; need -o user_xattr option.
- ✗
mkswap /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && swapon /dev/sdb1 && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data swap defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab
Why it's wrong here
Swap is not a file system for data; used for paging.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the requirement to mount the file system immediately after creation, not just add it to fstab, and the specific file system type (XFS vs. ext4) based on suitability for large files and extended attributes.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Wrong device (/dev/sda1) and no mount command executed first.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
XFS is a high-performance 64-bit journaling file system that excels with large files and large file systems, supporting extended attributes (xattr) and ACLs natively. The mkfs.xfs command creates the file system, and the mount command activates it immediately; adding the entry to /etc/fstab ensures persistence across reboots. The 'defaults' mount option includes rw, suid, dev, exec, auto, nouser, and async, which are appropriate for a general-purpose data mount.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Extended attributes
- XFS vs ext4 for large files
- Persistent mount via /etc/fstab
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
Extended attributes
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the EX200 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. Extended attributes 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.
Review extended attributes, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Create and configure file systems — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Create and configure file systems practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Extended attributes.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: mkfs.xfs /dev/sdb1 && mkdir /data && mount /dev/sdb1 /data && echo '/dev/sdb1 /data xfs defaults 0 0' >> /etc/fstab — Both XFS and ext4 support extended attributes by default in RHEL. However, XFS is optimized for large files and high performance, making it the recommended choice for this scenario. Option B correctly creates an XFS file system on /dev/sdb1, creates the mount point, mounts it immediately, and adds an fstab entry for persistence. Option C uses ext4, which is not as suitable for large files as XFS. Options A and D are incorrect due to wrong device or file system type.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Review extended attributes, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Extended attributes
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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