What is the purpose of the 'tail' command in Linux?

• A. Display the last 10 lines of a file
• B. List all directories in a path
• C. Show the current working directory
• D. Remove a file from the system

Answer: (A)

The 'tail' command in Linux is specifically designed to display the last few lines of a file. By default, it shows the last ten lines, which is particularly useful for monitoring the end of log files or other varying content where the most recent information is most relevant. Users can adjust the number of lines displayed by using options with the command, but its primary function is centered around providing a quick view of the tail end of a file's content.

This command is highly useful in various scenarios, for example, viewing error logs to quickly assess recent errors or events without needing to scroll through the entire file. Its straightforward usage contributes significantly to efficient data management and troubleshooting in a Unix-like operating system environment.