What does the command 'ls -l' display?

The command 'ls -l' is used to provide a detailed listing of files and directories in the current directory. When executed, it presents a wealth of information about each file and directory, including permissions, the number of links to the file, the owner and group associated with it, the file size, and the date and time of the last modification.

This comprehensive output is especially useful for system administration tasks, as it allows users to quickly assess file permissions and ownership, which are critical components in maintaining system security and integrity. In contrast, other options do not encompass the range of details provided by 'ls -l.' For example, a simple listing would omit permission information and file sizes, while counting the directory size or the total number of files would require different commands altogether. Thus, the ability of 'ls -l' to convey such detailed information makes the selected answer the most accurate reflection of what the command accomplishes.