Top 10 Linux Interview Questions and Answers
Linux is a popular operating system that is used widely in the tech world. It is known for being flexible, reliable, and open source, which means it is free to use and can be adapted to different needs. Many companies use Linux for their servers, and it is also used in smartphones and personal computers. In this blog, we will delve into ‘top 10 Linux interview questions along with their answers’.
10 Linux Interview Questions and Answers in 2024
1. What is Linux? Define the basic components of Linux.
Linux is developed by Linus Torvalds. It is a Unix-like, free, and open-source kernel operating system. It serves various computing platforms, including servers, embedded devices, and mainframes. The basic components of Linux include:
- Kernel: Acts as the core of the operating system, bridging hardware and software.
- Shell: Provides an interface between the kernel and the user.
- GUI (Graphical User Interface): Offers a graphical user interface for interacting with the system.
- Application programs: Executes tasks via a set of functions.
- System Utilities: Software functions for system management.
2. What is the difference between Linux and Unix?
| Parameter | Linux | Unix |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Comes in both free and paid versions | Usually requires payment for use |
| Target User | Used by a wide range of people, including home users and developers | Primarily used in offices and servers |
| File System Support | Supports Ext, FAT, NTFS, and more | Uses its own set of file systems |
| GUI | Looks different depending on setup, may have options like KDE or GNOME | Usually looks similar, often uses a common interface |
| Examples | Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc. | OS X, Solaris, etc. |
3. What is Shell in Linux?
In Linux, the shell serves as a command interpreter, facilitating communication between the user and the operating system. Various shells are available, including csh, ksh, zsh, bash, and fish, each offering unique features and syntax.
4. What is BASH?
BASH (Bourne Again Shell) is a command-line interpreter and scripting language commonly used on Linux and Unix systems. It boasts advanced scripting capabilities and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for automation and administration tasks.
5. What are two types of Linux User Mode?
Linux operates in two primary modes: User Mode and Kernel Mode. User Mode is where user-level applications run, while Kernel Mode is where the operating system’s kernel executes critical tasks.
6. What is the difference between hard links and soft links?
Hard links and soft links differ in their properties, including speed, inode numbers, and directory linking capabilities. Hard links directly link to the original content, while soft links point to the file location.
7. How do you troubleshoot network connectivity issues in Linux?
Troubleshooting network connectivity involves verifying internet connectivity, checking network configurations, inspecting firewall settings, and restarting network interfaces.
8. What is Swap Space?
Swap space acts as an extension of RAM, temporarily storing programs when physical memory is insufficient. Linux utilizes swap space to optimize system performance.
9. How do you mount and unmount filesystems in Linux?
Mounting and unmounting filesystems in Linux involve identifying partitions, creating mount points, and using the ‘mount’ and ‘umount’ commands to manage filesystems.
10. What is the chmod command in Linux, and how do you use it?
The ‘chmod’ command changes file permissions, allowing users to control read, write, and execute permissions. It supports both symbolic and numeric modes for modifying permissions.
Conclusion
Mastering Linux fundamentals is essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career in Linux or related fields. We hope that these top 10 Linux interview questions and answers helped you with this.
Also, checkout Linux Operating System – All You Need to Know