What is the primary function of the logrotate command?

The logrotate command is specifically designed to manage log files in a way that helps prevent them from consuming too much disk space. Its primary function is to split log files into archive files based on criteria such as time intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) or file size. By rotating log files, logrotate can compress, remove, or mail logs according to the configuration settings specified in its configuration files, thereby ensuring that active log files remain manageable and do not grow indefinitely.

This mechanism is crucial for system maintenance, as it helps maintain performance and keep logs organized. System administrators can set policies that dictate how long logs are retained and how they should be stored, making log management efficient and effective.