What does the command 'cat' do in Linux?

What does the command 'cat' do in Linux?

• A. Display the contents of a file
• B. Edit a file
• C. Change directory
• D. Archive files

Answer: (A)

The command 'cat' in Linux is primarily used to display the contents of a file in the terminal or command-line interface. It reads data from the specified file and outputs it, allowing users to view the text directly without opening an editor. This command is quite versatile; for example, it can also be used to concatenate multiple files and display their combined contents. However, its fundamental purpose is to show file contents to the user, making it an essential tool for quick file checks and data examination. The other options focus on actions that are not associated with the 'cat' command. Editing a file requires different commands or tools designed for that purpose, such as 'nano' or 'vim.' Changing directories is performed using the 'cd' command, while archiving files involves utilities like 'tar' or 'zip.' Thus, the functionality of 'cat' as a file viewer is what distinctly sets it apart in this context.

The command 'cat' in Linux is primarily used to display the contents of a file in the terminal or command-line interface. It reads data from the specified file and outputs it, allowing users to view the text directly without opening an editor. This command is quite versatile; for example, it can also be used to concatenate multiple files and display their combined contents. However, its fundamental purpose is to show file contents to the user, making it an essential tool for quick file checks and data examination.

The other options focus on actions that are not associated with the 'cat' command. Editing a file requires different commands or tools designed for that purpose, such as 'nano' or 'vim.' Changing directories is performed using the 'cd' command, while archiving files involves utilities like 'tar' or 'zip.' Thus, the functionality of 'cat' as a file viewer is what distinctly sets it apart in this context.