What does the command 'chmod' do?

The command 'chmod' is used to change the file permissions in a Linux operating system. Permissions determine who can read, write, or execute a file. By using 'chmod', you can specify which users or groups have access to a file and what level of access they have.

For instance, permissions can be set for the file owner, the group associated with the file, and others on the system, thus allowing for fine-tuning of access control. When you execute 'chmod', you can adjust permissions using either symbolic (i.e., using letters to represent owner, group, and others) or numeric (i.e., using octal numbers) methods to achieve the desired security and operational configurations for files and directories.

Understanding the function of 'chmod' is crucial for managing security in a Linux environment, as incorrect permissions can lead to unauthorized access or unintended modifications to files.