What does the 'tail' command do?

Study for the Linux Fundamentals Test. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The 'tail' command is a utility in Linux and Unix-like operating systems used specifically to display the last portions of a file. By default, it shows the last ten lines, which is particularly useful for examining log files or outputs that append data over time. Users can modify its behavior with options to specify how many lines to display or to follow the file in real-time, making it a versatile tool for monitoring the latest entries in a file as they are written.

The other options refer to different functionalities: copying files, displaying the file's beginning, and removing files, which are served by other commands such as 'cp', 'head', and 'rm', respectively. The 'tail' command distinctly serves its purpose of presenting the end segments of files, especially when seeking the most recent information.

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