What does the 'ls -l' command do?

The 'ls -l' command is used to display files in a directory with detailed information about each file or directory. When this command is executed, it provides a long listing format that includes essential information such as file permissions, the number of links, the owner's username, the group name, the file size, the timestamp of the last modification, and the filename.

This command is particularly useful for system administrators and users who need to understand more about the file attributes and permissions that govern access and usability. For instance, the permission information indicates who can read, write, or execute a file, and knowing the owner and group can assist in managing access rights appropriately. The long format does not just list filenames, but crucial context about each file, enhancing system management and troubleshooting tasks.