You mistakenly run tail -f /var/log/app.log & but the command stops showing output after a while. What could be wrong?

medium📝 Troubleshoot Q7 of 15

Linux CLI - Viewing and Editing Files

You mistakenly run tail -f /var/log/app.log & but the command stops showing output after a while. What could be wrong?

AThe <code>-f</code> option is invalid in background

BThe file is locked and cannot be read

CThe command requires a full path to <code>tail</code>

DThe command is running in background without terminal output; use <code>fg</code> to bring it back

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand background process behavior
Running with & sends the process to background, so output may not appear on terminal.
Step 2: How to fix output visibility
Use fg to bring the process to foreground to see live output.
Final Answer:
The command is running in background without terminal output; use fg to bring it back -> Option D
Quick Check:
Background jobs hide output; use fg [OK]

Quick Trick: Foreground jobs show output; background jobs may hide it [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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