[Solved] Why does this command fail to show any output?grep '^user:' /etc/shadow — Ans: Permission denied reading /etc/shadow | Linux CLI

Linux CLI - Users and Groups

Why does this command fail to show any output?

grep '^user:' /etc/shadow

AUser 'user' does not exist in /etc/shadow

BFile /etc/shadow is empty

CIncorrect grep syntax

DPermission denied reading /etc/shadow

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand /etc/shadow permissions
/etc/shadow is readable only by root or privileged users.
Step 2: Running grep without sudo causes permission denied
Without sudo, grep cannot read /etc/shadow, so no output appears.
Final Answer:
Permission denied reading /etc/shadow -> Option D
Quick Check:
Permission denied = no output [OK]

Quick Trick: Use sudo to read /etc/shadow or get permission denied [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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Why does this command fail to show any output?