What is the role of the ifconfig command?

The ifconfig command is primarily used to configure and manage network interfaces on a Linux system. This includes tasks such as assigning IP addresses to network interfaces, enabling or disabling interfaces, and viewing the current configuration settings of those interfaces. For example, when you run ifconfig without any arguments, it provides a status report of the active network interfaces, showing information such as IP addresses, MAC addresses, and the status (up or down) of each interface.

This tool is essential for network troubleshooting and fine-tuning network settings, making it vital for system administrators. Understanding how to use ifconfig allows one to effectively manage connectivity and network performance on Linux systems.