RPM query mode: Which rpm command option is used to query information about a specific package (for example, to check if it is installed)?
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Arpm -q
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Brpm -a
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Crpm -d
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Drpm -1
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ENone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: rpm -q
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Querying installed packages is a routine task in system administration. The rpm tool provides a query mode that quickly answers questions such as whether a package is installed, its version, and which files it installed.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The system uses RPM-based packaging.
- We want to query package information, not install or remove it.
- We are using the low-level rpm command, not higher-level tools like dnf or yum.
Concept / Approach:
The -q option enables query mode. You can use rpm -q packagename to check installation and version, rpm -qi packagename for detailed info, and rpm -ql packagename to list installed files. Other letters have different purposes (for example, -i for install, -e for erase).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Choose the query switch: -qCheck existence/version: rpm -q packagenameGet details: rpm -qi packagenameList files: rpm -ql packagenameVerification / Alternative check:
Compare output with dnf list installed or rpm -qa | grep packagename. All methods corroborate whether a package is present.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- rpm -a: Not a valid standalone query; common is -qa (query all). As shown, -a alone does not mean “query package”.
- rpm -d: Not a standard query option for rpm; often misremembered from other tools.
- rpm -1: Invalid option (and “-1” is not a recognized flag).
- None of the above: Incorrect; rpm -q is correct.
Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to combine flags properly (for example, using -qa to list all packages). Confusing rpm query capabilities with repository-enabled tools like dnf that can query remote repos.
Final Answer:
rpm -q