What does the 'chmod' command do in Linux?

The 'chmod' command in Linux is primarily used to modify file permissions. This command allows users to set or change the access rights of files and directories for the owner, group, and others. Permissions can be granted or revoked for reading, writing, and executing files, which is essential for maintaining security and controlling access within a Linux environment.

When using 'chmod', you can specify permissions using symbolic notation (like + for adding permissions or - for removing them) or octal numbers (like 755) that represent different permissions in a compact form. Understanding how to use 'chmod' effectively is crucial for Linux system administration, as it directly influences who can access, modify, or execute files and directories on the system.

File ownership changes, file location alterations, and editing file contents are managed by other commands ('chown', 'mv', and text editors respectively) and do not pertain to the functionality of 'chmod'.