Quick Answer
The correct command is `mkfs.xfs -L data /dev/nvme0n1p1`. The `-L` flag is the XFS-specific option for assigning a filesystem label during creation, and it must be followed immediately by the label string before the device path. This command both creates the XFS filesystem on the specified partition and sets its label to 'data' in a single step, which is the efficient method tested on the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam. On the exam, you will often see this in storage configuration scenarios where you need to create a filesystem with a specific label for mounting via `LABEL=` in `/etc/fstab`. A common trap is confusing `-L` with `-n` (which sets the volume name for other filesystems like ext4), or forgetting that the label must come before the device path. Memory tip: think of `-L` as "Label" and always place it right after `mkfs.xfs`—the label and device are like a name tag you stick on the partition before it goes to work.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. 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.
Which command creates an XFS filesystem on /dev/nvme0n1p1 and sets the label to 'data'?
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.
mkfs.xfs -l data /dev/nvme0n1p1
Why wrong: -l sets log parameters.
mkfs.xfs -f /dev/nvme0n1p1
Why wrong: Forces overwrite but no label.
mkfs.xfs -L data /dev/nvme0n1p1
Correct.
mkfs.xfs -n data /dev/nvme0n1p1
Why wrong: -n sets naming version.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
mkfs.xfs -L data /dev/nvme0n1p1
Option C is correct because the `-L` flag in `mkfs.xfs` is used to set the filesystem label. The command `mkfs.xfs -L data /dev/nvme0n1p1` creates an XFS filesystem on the specified partition and assigns it the label 'data'.
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.
mkfs.xfs -l data /dev/nvme0n1p1
Why it's wrong here
-l sets log parameters.
mkfs.xfs -f /dev/nvme0n1p1
Why it's wrong here
Forces overwrite but no label.
mkfs.xfs -L data /dev/nvme0n1p1
Why this is correct
Correct.
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.xfs -n data /dev/nvme0n1p1
Why it's wrong here
-n sets naming version.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing the `-L` (label) flag with the `-l` (log) flag, as they look similar but have completely different functions in XFS, and candidates often misremember the option letter from other filesystem tools.
Detailed technical explanation
The XFS label is stored in the filesystem superblock and can be viewed with `xfs_admin -l` or `blkid`. The `-L` flag is consistent with other mkfs commands (e.g., `mkfs.ext4 -L`), but XFS uses its own specific options; the `-l` flag controls the log subvolume, and `-n` controls the naming (directory block size, version). In real-world scenarios, labeling is critical for mounting via `LABEL=data` in `/etc/fstab`, ensuring persistent mount points regardless of device name changes.
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
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: mkfs.xfs -L data /dev/nvme0n1p1 — Option C is correct because the `-L` flag in `mkfs.xfs` is used to set the filesystem label. The command `mkfs.xfs -L data /dev/nvme0n1p1` creates an XFS filesystem on the specified partition and assigns it the label 'data'.
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
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