10 Core Linux Interview Questions with Answers

Linux is a popular and powerful operating system that has been used for many years by system administrators, developers, and tech enthusiasts. If you’re preparing for a Linux interview, there are some questions that the interviewer may ask you to test your knowledge of the operating system. Here are ten core Linux interview questions with answers that will help you to prepare for your next interview.

1. What is Linux?

Linux is a free and open-source operating system that was developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. It is based on the Unix operating system and supports a wide range of hardware platforms. Linux is widely used in servers, supercomputers, embedded systems, and mobile devices.

2. What is the difference between Linux and Unix?

Linux and Unix are both operating systems, but there are some differences between them. Unix is a proprietary operating system that is based on closed-source code, while Linux is open-source and available for free. Linux is also more flexible and customizable than Unix, and it supports a wider range of hardware platforms.

3. What is the Linux shell?

The Linux shell is a command line interface that allows users to interact with the operating system using commands. The shell is the interface between the user and the operating system, and it allows users to perform tasks such as navigating the file system, running programs, and managing processes.

# Here is an example of how to list the contents of a directory using the Linux shell:

ls -l /path/to/directory

4. What is a Linux distribution?

A Linux distribution (also known as a distro) is a collection of software and tools that are based on the Linux kernel. There are many different Linux distributions available, each with its own set of features and characteristics. Some popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS.

5. What is the Linux file system?

The Linux file system is a hierarchical structure that organizes files and directories on a Linux-based operating system. The root directory (represented by “/”) is the top-level directory in the file system, and all other directories and files are organized beneath it. Some common directories in the Linux file system include /bin, /etc, /home, and /usr.

# Here is an example of how to create a new directory using the Linux shell:

mkdir /path/to/newdirectory

6. What is a process in Linux?

A process is a running instance of a program on a Linux-based operating system. Each process has its own unique process ID (PID), which is used to identify and manage the process. The Linux operating system provides tools such as ps and top that can be used to view and manage processes.

# Here is an example of how to view a list of running processes using the Linux shell:

ps aux

7. What is an IP address in Linux?

An IP address is a unique identifier that is assigned to each device on a network. In Linux, IP addresses can be configured using the ifconfig command or the newer ip command. IP addresses can be either static or dynamic (assigned by a DHCP server).

# Here is an example of how to configure a static IP address using the Linux shell:

ifconfig eth0 192.168.1.100 netmask 255.255.255.0

8. What is SSH in Linux?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that is used to securely connect to a remote computer over a network. It provides a secure, encrypted connection that can be used to run commands and transfer files between machines. The Linux operating system includes an SSH client (ssh) and an SSH server (sshd) that can be used for secure remote access.

# Here is an example of how to connect to a remote machine using SSH in the Linux shell:

ssh username@remotehost

9. What is a package manager in Linux?

A package manager is a tool that is used to manage and install software packages on a Linux-based operating system. Each Linux distribution has its own package manager, such as apt (used in Debian and Ubuntu), yum (used in Red Hat and CentOS), and pacman (used in Arch Linux).

# Here is an example of how to install a new package using the Debian/Ubuntu apt package manager:

sudo apt-get install packagename

10. What is Linux kernel?

The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system. It is responsible for managing hardware resources, providing system services, and enforcing security policies. The Linux kernel is open-source software and is developed by a team of volunteers around the world.

Conclusion

These are the ten core Linux interview questions with answers that you should know to prepare yourself for your next Linux interview. By understanding these concepts, you will be better equipped to communicate your knowledge and expertise to potential employers or colleagues. Good luck with your next interview!