Quick Answer
The answer is `mkswap /dev/sdb1`. This command is correct because it initializes the partition with a swap signature, writing the necessary metadata such as the swap superblock and version information so the kernel can later recognize and use it as swap space. Without running `mkswap`, the partition remains unformatted for swap, even after being created with `fdisk`. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding of the full swap setup workflow: partition, format with `mkswap`, then activate with `swapon`. A common trap is confusing `mkswap` with `mkfs` commands—remember that swap uses its own filesystem type, not ext4 or xfs. A useful memory tip is to think of "swap" as a special area that needs its own "make" command: **mkswap** is to swap what **mkfs** is to regular filesystems.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of configure local storage. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An administrator wants to create a swap partition on /dev/sdb1. After creating the partition with fdisk, which command sets up the swap area?
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.
mkswap /dev/sdb1
Correct: mkswap initializes swap.
mkfs.swap /dev/sdb1
Why wrong: No such command; correct is mkswap.
swapon /dev/sdb1
Why wrong: swapon enables swap, but must be initialized first.
swapoff /dev/sdb1
Why wrong: Disables swap.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
mkswap /dev/sdb1
The correct command to set up a swap area on a partition is `mkswap /dev/sdb1`. This command initializes the partition with a swap signature, writing the necessary metadata (such as the swap superblock and version information) so the kernel can later use it as swap space. Without running `mkswap`, the partition is not recognized as a valid swap device.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
mkswap /dev/sdb1
Why this is correct
Correct: mkswap initializes swap.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
mkfs.swap /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
No such command; correct is mkswap.
swapon /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
swapon enables swap, but must be initialized first.
swapoff /dev/sdb1
Why it's wrong here
Disables swap.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between preparing a swap area (`mkswap`) and activating it (`swapon`), so candidates mistakenly choose `swapon` thinking it both creates and enables the swap.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No such command; correct is mkswap.
Detailed technical explanation
The `mkswap` command writes a swap signature (magic number `SWAPSPACE2` or `SWAP-SPACE`) to the partition, along with a swap superblock containing parameters like the page size and the number of usable pages. In modern Linux, the swap area uses version 2 format, which supports up to 2^32 - 1 pages and includes a UUID and label for identification. A common real-world scenario is when a system runs out of memory and the kernel relies on the swap area; if `mkswap` was not run, the kernel will refuse to activate the device with `swapon`, returning an error like "swapon: /dev/sdb1: Invalid argument".
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Configure local storage — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Configure local storage practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All EX200 questions
527 questions across all exam domains
Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
EX200 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Operate running systems.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Configure local storage.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Create and configure file systems.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Deploy, configure, and maintain systems.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage users and groups.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage security.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage containers.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Create simple shell scripts.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Essential Tools.
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 fundamentals.
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 scenario.
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Configure local storage — This question tests Configure local storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: mkswap /dev/sdb1 — The correct command to set up a swap area on a partition is `mkswap /dev/sdb1`. This command initializes the partition with a swap signature, writing the necessary metadata (such as the swap superblock and version information) so the kernel can later use it as swap space. Without running `mkswap`, the partition is not recognized as a valid swap device.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This EX200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat 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 EX200 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.