What is the primary function of the "dpkg" command?

The primary function of the "dpkg" command is to manage .deb packages, which are the package format used by Debian-based distributions, such as Ubuntu. This command provides a variety of functionalities that allow users to install, remove, configure, and manage software packages that are in the .deb format. With "dpkg," you can install a package file directly or query the system for information about installed packages, making it an essential tool for system administrators and users who work on Debian-based platforms.

On the other hand, the other options outline functions that are not related to "dpkg." For example, handling source code compilations pertains to tools like "make" or "gcc," managing file permissions typically involves commands like "chmod," and formatting disk partitions is accomplished using utilities like "fdisk" or "mkfs."