15 Linux Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

Key takeaways

Engineers, developers, and systems administrators are most likely to encounter questions about the Linux operating system (OS). 

• Common interview questions may revolve around the technical specifics of Linux, as well as working with Linux in specific situations. 

• Technically, ensure you understand the basics, such as the components of Linux, the basics of bash, and how to work with the file system.

• You can prepare for your interview by studying or refreshing your Linux basics, as well as by doing typical interview prep such as researching the company, creating sample answers, and asking questions. 

Explore potential Linux interview questions you could encounter, as well as sample answers you can start using to prepare for your interview. If you’re looking to demonstrate Linux skills to your employer, start preparing for certification with the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 Specialization from Pearson. In 8 weeks, you can gain skills in Linux, understand daily system administration tasks, and go through the key concepts on the exam. 

15 Linux interview questions and answers

As an open-source operating system, Linux excels in speed and efficiency over other operating systems like Windows. Consider the following technical and behavioral questions about Linux to help you prepare for your interview:

Technical questions

Linux is just one of several operating systems, including Apple’s macOS and Microsoft’s Windows, that developers and programmers use. Landing a job in this field usually involves answering technical questions, tackling a coding problem, or completing a take-home project.

1. What is Linux?

With this question, you can demonstrate to the interviewer what you know about Linux. As a developer or programmer, expect to clearly and accurately explain the systems and processes you work with. Linux is a Unix-like, open-source operating system developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. You can also mention its features, such as security based on authentication and access control, application support, and customizable keywords.

2. What are the basic components of Linux?

Linux’s architecture consists of four main components: kernel, shell, system utility, and applications.

• Kernel: The kernel is the core part of the Linux OS that is responsible for operations and communication between hardware and software.

• Shell: The shell is an environment in which the Linux operator runs commands, programs, and shell scripts. It is the interface between the user and kernel and is used to execute commands.

• System utility: These are software functions that allow the user to manage the computer.

• Applications: These are software programs designed to accomplish specific tasks.

What are the real basic components?

Keep in mind that different sources might cite varying core components of Linux. Whether you choose to list three or five components, to include “hardware” or not, the more important thing is to explain why these are the basic components.

3. What is LILO?

LILO stands for Linux Loader, which is a boot loader used for the Linux operating system. Most Linux OS use LILO as a master or secondary program to boot the operating system into main memory to perform functions.

4. What is BASH?

BASH stands for Bourne Again Shell, which is a command language interpreter that is similar to and interchangeable with Bourne Shell. BASH has some extra features and is the default user shell on many Linux installations. It can also read commands from shell scripts.

5. What is swap space?

A swap space is space on a hard disk used when random access memory (RAM) is full. It serves as an extension of RAM when the original RAM doesn’t have enough space to run all the programs or as a substitute for physical memory.

6. What is the difference between Unix and Linux? 

Unix is a proprietary OS with commercial versions, while Linux is free, open-source, and non-proprietary. In other words, Linux is “for the people.”

7. What are shells used in Linux?

Linux supports multiple shells, each designed for a specific purpose. Some common examples include the following:

• bash (Bourne Again Shell): This is the default shell of most Linux systems.

• zsh (Z Shell): Default shell for Kali Linux and macOS 

• ksh (Korn Shell): High-level programming language shell

• Csh (C Shell): Borrows from the C programming language

• tcsh (Tenex Shell): This is a command-line shell based on the C Shell.

Read more: What Is Shell Scripting?

8. What are process states in Linux?

Some of the various process states in Linux include the following:

• New/Ready: The process is ready to run.

• Running: The process is executed.

• Blocked/Waiting: The process needs input or a system resource.

• Terminated/Completed: The process has been completed or terminated by the OS.

• Zombie: When a process has been paused, but information is still available.

9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of open-source?

The advantages of open-source are that it is completely free and available to the public, so users can download the file and change the code as desired. As long as they use the same license, they can even sell copies of the modified code. The disadvantages of open-source are that it can make the software less compatible with other hardware and systems, and make it more difficult to use. Additionally, as contributors from around the world build the code and release it to the public, no user support exists.

Fun fact: The world’s largest open-source software project

Linux is the world’s largest open-source software project. Anyone can run, analyze, and redistribute the source code. Programmers and developers from different industries are constantly adding features, fixing bugs and security flaws, and sharing new code ideas. Open-source is an excellent way for developers to give back to the community.

10. What are the different types of file permissions in Linux?

In Linux, three types of file permissions are available for three types of owners: user, group, and others. These file permissions include:

• Read: Users can open and view the file, but may not modify or run it.

• Write: Users can open and modify the file, but cannot execute it.

• Execute: Users can execute the file.

Behavioral and situational questions

Across industries, hiring managers ask behavioral questions to assess how a candidate will perform in the workplace. Because these are entirely subjective, it’s important for you to understand what the hiring manager wants to know and how to answer some key behavioral questions. 

11. How do you approach solving a problem?

This question wants to know your process for problem-solving. Explain how you might approach a problem when it arises or is assigned to you, starting with brainstorming, doing research, or testing several potential solutions. You could elevate your response by providing an example of how you approached a relevant problem in the past using the STAR method.

12. Describe your development process, from gathering requirements to deployment.

As a developer or programmer, you’re expected to have your own process for developing and know how to explain it clearly to both developers and non-developers. The focus isn’t on the right answer, but on how well you can describe your process, demonstrating your thorough understanding of it.

13. Can you describe a time you fixed an especially difficult bug? How did you resolve it?

With this question, hiring managers are assessing your technical skills as well as your process for resolving issues. Did you have to tinker with it for a while? How did you go about finding potential fixes? You can use this opportunity to demonstrate how you explain your thinking.

14. Can you describe a time when you had to make a decision between technical feasibility and business impact? What was the outcome?

This question is about understanding how you made the decision. It doesn’t matter what the trade-off was—why did you make the choice you did? Here, they want to know your principles and how you make a decision when there are larger stakeholders involved.

15. Tell me about a situation where you dealt with failure. 

Embrace the opportunity to answer this question honestly and show what you’ve learned from the experience. In most jobs, people will deal with some type of failure. This question helps assess your ability to explain what happened, how you dealt with it, what the outcome was, and most importantly, what you learned from it. They want to know that you possess the workplace skills to come out on the other side of failure stronger and better.

Tips to prepare for your interview

The following are some tips and resources to help you bring your best to your Linux interview.

• Do your research: Chances are, you already know a little bit about the company you’re interviewing for. However, it’s always a good idea to be thorough. Take a look at the organization’s website and recent news, and research potential managers or colleagues on LinkedIn to get a better understanding of who is interviewing you. Be prepared to know the lingo for whatever job role you’re pursuing.

• Prepare some sample answers: Feeling a bit nervous before an interview is completely normal. Taking the time to prepare your answers to common interview questions, both technical and behavioral, can help you feel more at ease during the interview. As a bonus, if you stumble upon something you don’t know, you can review it beforehand.

• Ask questions: Your time with the hiring manager is precious. You’ll want to take advantage of being able to ask questions to assess the fit. Is this the right job for you? Asking questions at the end of the interview about the company’s vision, culture, and flexibility can give you deep insights into whether you want to work there.

Explore our free interview tips and career resources

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• Explore interview tips: Cybersecurity Interview Preparation Guide 

• Study more IT terms: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary

• Polish your resume: Resume Time? We Can Help. 

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