What is the primary purpose of the ldd command in Linux?

The primary purpose of the ldd command in Linux is to list which shared libraries a binary needs to run. This provides critical information regarding the shared dependencies of a binary executable, enabling users to identify which libraries must be present on the system for the binary to operate correctly. When ldd is executed with a binary as an argument, it analyzes that binary and outputs a list of the shared libraries it is linked against, including the paths where these libraries are located.

This capability is essential for troubleshooting issues related to missing libraries, ensuring compatibility when deploying applications, and managing dependencies effectively. The output from ldd can help developers and system administrators ensure that all required libraries are installed and accessible, thereby facilitating smooth execution of programs in a Linux environment.