What is the purpose of the command 'ls'?

The command 'ls' is used in Unix-like operating systems to list the files and directories contained in the current working directory. It provides a way for users to see the contents of a directory, including both files and subdirectories, which is fundamental for navigating the file system. This command can also accept various options to modify its output, allowing users to display additional details such as file sizes, permissions, modification dates, and hidden files, among other features.

While the other options refer to different commands or functionalities in the Unix/Linux environment, 'ls' specifically fulfills the role of displaying directory contents, making it an essential tool for users to manage and organize their files effectively.