TestOut Linux Pro Practice Test

Which command is used to list the contents of a directory?

1. dir

2. ls

3. list

4. vdir

The correct answer is: ls

The command used to list the contents of a directory in Linux is "ls." This command stands for "list" and is one of the most commonly used commands in the Linux operating system. When executed, it displays the files and directories located in the current directory or in the specified directory. The ls command has several options that allow users to modify its output, such as displaying hidden files with the "-a" flag or showing detailed information about each file with the "-l" flag. This versatility makes it a fundamental tool for users to navigate and manage files within the Linux filesystem effectively. While other options may appear similar or could exist in different contexts, they do not serve the same primary function as ls. For example, "dir" is a command commonly used in DOS and Windows environments rather than in Linux. "list" is not a recognized command in Linux, and while "vdir" can also be used to list directory contents in a verbose manner, it is less widely utilized than ls. Thus, ls remains the preferred and standard command for listing directory contents in Linux.