What command would you use to list the files in a directory?

The command used to list the files in a directory is "ls." This command is fundamental in Linux and Unix-like operating systems, and it outputs a list of files and directories in the specified directory. By default, when executed without any arguments, "ls" displays the contents of the current working directory. It can also be modified with various options, such as "-l" for detailed listings or "-a" to include hidden files, providing greater flexibility based on the user's needs.

The other commands serve different purposes: "mkdir" is used to create a new directory, "cat" is used to concatenate and display the contents of files, and "pwd" shows the current working directory's path. Each of these commands has a specific function that is not related to simply listing files, highlighting why "ls" is the appropriate choice for this task.