What does the "rm -rf" command do in Linux?

The "rm -rf" command in Linux is a powerful and commonly used command for removing files and directories. The "r" option stands for recursive, which means that it will remove not only the specified directory but also all of its contents, including all files and subdirectories within it. The "f" option stands for force, which tells the command to ignore nonexistent files and never prompt for confirmation, thus allowing it to delete files without requiring user verification.

Therefore, when you use "rm -rf" followed by a directory name, it will systematically delete that directory and everything inside it, across both the current directory and any nested subdirectories. This makes option A the most accurate description of what the command does, as it encompasses the full scope of what "rm -rf" is capable of traversing and deleting.

Understanding the implications of using "rm -rf" is crucial, as it can lead to irreversible data loss if used carelessly, especially when running as a superuser or on important directories.