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

The command 'chmod' in Linux is specifically designed to change file permissions, which is aligned with the correct answer. File permissions determine who can read, write, or execute a file, and using 'chmod,' users can modify these permissions for the owner, group, and others.

When a user wants to restrict or allow access to files for various users, they can use 'chmod' followed by specific permissions modes. For example, one can grant read, write, or execute permissions to different user categories. This functionality is essential for maintaining security and managing user access on a Linux system.

The focus of 'chmod' is distinct from changing file ownership, which is accomplished with the 'chown' command; renaming directories, which can be handled using the 'mv' command; or changing file types, which isn't directly achievable as file types are usually determined by their extensions or content rather than through a command. Thus, understanding 'chmod' is crucial for file management in a Linux environment, specifically in the context of permissions.