What is the primary purpose of the 'ping' command?

The primary purpose of the 'ping' command is to check network connectivity to another host. This command operates by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request packets to the specified host and waiting for an echo reply. When the target host receives the echo request, it responds back with an echo reply, which allows the user to determine whether the host is reachable over the network.

Additionally, 'ping' provides valuable information regarding round-trip time and packet loss, which are useful for diagnosing network issues. This command is commonly used to troubleshoot network problems, assess the health of a network connection, and ensure that other devices on the network can communicate effectively.

In contrast, managing processes or creating remote connections pertains to other commands and tools, while routing table information is retrieved using different commands altogether, such as 'route' or 'ip route.'