What is the primary function of the 'top' command in Linux?

The 'top' command in Linux is primarily used to display real-time information about running processes on the system. When executed, it provides a dynamic, interactive view of system performance, including various metrics such as CPU usage, memory consumption, and the processes that are currently active. This allows system administrators and users to monitor which processes are consuming resources, facilitating process management and troubleshooting.

This command is especially useful for identifying resource-hungry applications and ensuring that system performance remains optimal. While the other options relate to different system functions—like checking disk space, listing users, or modifying file permissions—they do not pertain to the core capability of the 'top' command, which is focused specifically on process management and monitoring.