What is one primary function of the 'insmod' command?

The 'insmod' command is primarily used to insert a loadable kernel module into the Linux kernel. When you execute this command, it takes the specified module file and loads it into the kernel's memory, making its functions available for use by the system. This is a critical function because it allows the kernel to utilize additional features or hardware drivers that are not compiled directly into the kernel itself, providing flexibility and modularity.

For example, if you have a specific driver for a device that is not included in the default kernel build, you would use 'insmod' to load that driver as a module, enabling the operating system to interact with that device properly.

In contrast, other commands you might consider in this context have different purposes. Listing currently loaded modules is done using commands like 'lsmod.' Removing a module from the kernel is achieved with the 'rmmod' command, and updating module dependencies involves the 'depmod' command, which ensures that module dependencies are accurately tracked and loaded when modules are inserted.