What is the primary function of the 'ls -Z' command?

The 'ls -Z' command is primarily used to view the security context of files when working in a system with SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) enabled. SELinux uses security contexts to define the security attributes associated with each file, including permissions and access controls that determine which processes can operate on those files in various ways.

When this command is executed, it lists files along with their respective security contexts, allowing system administrators and users to see how files are classified and what access restrictions are applied to them. This is crucial for troubleshooting and managing security policies within an SELinux environment.

Understanding the security context visible through 'ls -Z' is foundational for managing system security, as it lays the groundwork for ensuring that file permissions align with the desired security policies.