What is the purpose of the 'grep' command in Linux?

The 'grep' command in Linux is specifically designed to search for a string or pattern within files. It stands for "Global Regular Expression Print," and it is an essential tool that allows users to filter and extract lines of text that match a given regular expression. When the command is executed, it scans the specified file or files and returns lines that contain the search string, making it invaluable for tasks such as searching logs, configuration files, or any text data for specific information.

This functionality makes 'grep' a powerful utility for programmers and system administrators, as it can quickly hone in on relevant data without displaying irrelevant information. The tool supports various options that enable case sensitivity, recursive searching, and more, enhancing its versatility for text processing.