What is the purpose of the 'sudo' command?

The 'sudo' command is primarily used to execute commands with superuser privileges. When a user runs a command prefixed with 'sudo', it allows them to perform tasks that require elevated permissions, which are typically reserved for the root user. This capability is essential for executing administrative tasks such as installing software, modifying system configurations, or managing user accounts without needing to log in as the root user directly.

Using 'sudo' enhances security by allowing users to gain temporary access to elevated privileges while maintaining a log of commands that are executed, which can be reviewed later for accountability. Overall, this command is a cornerstone of system administration in Linux environments, facilitating safer and more controlled administrative access.