What dpkg option ensures that configuration files are removed when a package is uninstalled?

The option that ensures configuration files are removed when a package is uninstalled is the purge option. When a user executes the purge command with dpkg, it not only removes the package but also deletes all configuration files associated with that package. This is particularly useful for ensuring that no remnants of the package are left behind on the system, allowing for a cleaner removal process.

Understanding why this is significant can provide insight into system maintenance and hygiene in a Linux environment. For example, if a user decides to reinstall a package later, starting with a fresh state without outdated configuration files can help avoid conflicts and ensure that the reinstall is clean.

The other options do not perform this function: the clean option is used to remove downloaded package files from the cache, the remove option deletes the package but leaves configuration files intact, and the vacuum option does not exist in the context of dpkg, which may lead to confusion. Focusing on the purge option helps maintain a tidy system by completely eliminating traces of software that is no longer needed.