What does the 'visudo' command specifically allow a user to do?

The 'visudo' command specifically allows a user to edit the sudoers file safely. This command is designed to open the sudoers file in a text editor while enforcing syntax checking before saving any changes. The primary purpose of the sudoers file is to control who can execute commands as a superuser or another user. Editing this file directly could lead to syntax errors that might lock out all users from using the sudo command. 'visudo' mitigates this risk by checking for any errors after editing, and it will only save changes if the syntax is correct. Thus, using 'visudo' ensures that any modifications to the sudoers file are done securely and accurately, which is essential for maintaining system security and functionality.

Understanding the function of 'visudo' is crucial for system administrators as it helps ensure that permissions and user access control are properly managed without inadvertently introducing errors that could compromise the system.