What is the purpose of the command 'chmod' in Linux?

The command 'chmod' in Linux is specifically designed to change file permissions. In Linux, file permissions determine who can read, write, or execute a file, and these permissions can be modified using 'chmod'. This command allows users to set or alter the access permissions for user, group, and other categories, making it essential for managing file security and access control.

When using 'chmod', users can apply numeric codes or symbolic notation to set permissions, which gives them granular control over who can interact with files and directories on the system. Understanding how to effectively use 'chmod' is crucial for maintaining a secure and organized file system in a Linux environment. The other options, while related to file management, do not pertain to permissions; they address different functionalities such as copying, creating, or moving files.