Quick Answer
The answer is mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1 and mkfs /dev/sdb1. Both commands achieve the same goal of creating a filesystem on a partition, but mkfs acts as a generic front-end that automatically detects the filesystem type from /etc/mtab or defaults to ext2, while mkfs.ext4 explicitly calls the mke2fs utility with ext4-specific parameters, writing the superblock and metadata structures that make the partition mountable. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this question tests your understanding that mkfs is not a single tool but a wrapper, and the real distinction lies in knowing that mkfs.ext4 is the explicit variant for the modern ext4 filesystem. A common trap is assuming mkfs alone is insufficient, but both are valid because mkfs will default to ext4 on RHEL systems. Memory tip: think of mkfs as the generic verb and mkfs.ext4 as the specific noun—both will format the partition, but the explicit form leaves no doubt about the filesystem type.
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.
Which TWO commands can be used to create a filesystem on a new partition? (Choose two.)
mount /dev/sdb1 /mnt
Why wrong: Mounts an existing filesystem.
mkfs /dev/sdb1
mkfs creates a filesystem (default ext2).
parted /dev/sdb
Why wrong: parted is for partitioning.
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
Creates ext4 filesystem.
fdisk /dev/sdb
Why wrong: fdisk is for partitioning, not filesystem creation.
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 /dev/sdb1
B is correct because `mkfs` is the generic command to create a filesystem on a partition. D is correct because `mkfs.ext4` is a specific variant of `mkfs` that creates an ext4 filesystem. Both commands write the filesystem metadata to the partition, making it ready for mounting.
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.
mount /dev/sdb1 /mnt
Why it's wrong here
Mounts an existing filesystem.
mkfs /dev/sdb1
Why this is correct
mkfs creates a filesystem (default ext2).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
parted /dev/sdb
Why it's wrong here
parted is for partitioning.
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdb1
Why this is correct
Creates ext4 filesystem.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
fdisk /dev/sdb
Why it's wrong here
fdisk is for partitioning, not filesystem creation.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse partition management commands (fdisk, parted) with filesystem creation commands (mkfs), or think that mounting a partition will automatically create a filesystem on it.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `mkfs` calls the appropriate filesystem-specific tool (e.g., `mkfs.ext4`, `mkfs.xfs`) based on the `-t` option or the command name. The filesystem creation writes superblock, inode tables, and journal (for journaling filesystems) to the partition. In real-world scenarios, forgetting to create a filesystem after partitioning is a common cause of 'mount: wrong fs type' errors.
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
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FAQ
Configure local storage — This question tests Configure local storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: mkfs /dev/sdb1 — B is correct because `mkfs` is the generic command to create a filesystem on a partition. D is correct because `mkfs.ext4` is a specific variant of `mkfs` that creates an ext4 filesystem. Both commands write the filesystem metadata to the partition, making it ready for mounting.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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