Quick Answer
The answer is `tail -n 15 /var/log/messages`. This command is correct because `tail` is specifically designed to display the last lines of a file, and the `-n 15` option explicitly sets the number of lines to show, providing a static snapshot of the most recent entries without following the file as it updates. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding of log file management and command-line utilities, a core skill for system administration tasks. A common trap is confusing `tail -f` (which continuously follows new lines) with `tail -n` (which shows a fixed number of lines); the question specifies viewing the last 15 lines, not monitoring live updates, so `-f` would be incorrect. To remember this, think of `tail` as the "end" of the file and `-n` as "number"—so `tail -n 15` means "show me the last 15 lines at the end."
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of essential tools. 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.
A user needs to view the last 15 lines of a log file that is constantly being updated. Which command should they use?
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.
tail -n 15 /var/log/messages
Shows last 15 lines.
tail -f /var/log/messages
Why wrong: Follows file, not just last 15 lines.
cat /var/log/messages
Why wrong: Shows entire file.
head -15 /var/log/messages
Why wrong: Shows first 15 lines.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
tail -n 15 /var/log/messages
Option A is correct because the `tail -n 15 /var/log/messages` command displays the last 15 lines of the specified log file without following it. This meets the requirement to view the last 15 lines of a file that is constantly being updated, as it provides a static snapshot of the most recent entries.
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.
tail -n 15 /var/log/messages
Why this is correct
Shows last 15 lines.
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.
tail -f /var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
Follows file, not just last 15 lines.
cat /var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
Shows entire file.
head -15 /var/log/messages
Why it's wrong here
Shows first 15 lines.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `tail -f` (which follows the file in real time) with `tail -n` (which shows a specific number of lines from the end), leading them to choose option B when the requirement is for a static view of the last lines.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows entire file.
Detailed technical explanation
The `tail` command reads from the end of a file by default, using the `-n` option to specify the number of lines. Under the hood, `tail` seeks to the end of the file and reads backward, which is efficient for large files. In real-world scenarios, administrators often combine `tail -n` with `grep` to filter recent log entries, such as `tail -n 100 /var/log/messages | grep 'error'`.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: tail -n 15 /var/log/messages — Option A is correct because the `tail -n 15 /var/log/messages` command displays the last 15 lines of the specified log file without following it. This meets the requirement to view the last 15 lines of a file that is constantly being updated, as it provides a static snapshot of the most recent entries.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
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