What does the 'tail -f' command do?

The 'tail -f' command is used primarily for monitoring the end of a file in real-time, typically log files. When executed, it outputs the last few lines of the specified file, and it continues to "follow" the file as new data is appended to it. This is particularly useful for keeping track of ongoing processes or events, such as server logs or application output, without having to repeatedly manually check the file for updates.

By utilizing the 'tail -f' command, users gain the ability to watch live updates, as it keeps the terminal session open and automatically displays new lines as they are added to the file. This makes it a powerful tool for system administrators and developers who need to observe the behavior of applications or systems in real-time.