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I've found 'list 10 two-letter linux commands and their use'

They don't actually have to think of 10, but their answer can show what they've actually had to do on a *nix system. Its also lets you prod them with questions like 'how might I get disk usage' or if they mention dd, ask them how they use it, what its good for etc.



I was surprised I could actually think of 10. Using both dc and bc seems like cheating, though ;)


To be honest, a reason I like it is that if they free-think and say 'what about sed, oh of course thats three characters', shows what they know. Also whether shell-built ins count too.


I'd grant bonus points for remembering the standard text editor. Or dismiss everyone who didn't!




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