What is the purpose of the 'rm' command?

The purpose of the 'rm' command in Unix and Unix-like operating systems is to delete or remove files and directories. When executed, 'rm' effectively removes the specified file(s) from the filesystem, making them unavailable for further use. This command is often used in command-line interfaces and is critical for managing files and directories efficiently.

Using 'rm' can be straightforward, but caution is advised, as the command does not typically move files to a trash or recycle bin; rather, it permanently deletes them, which might lead to data loss if not used carefully. Understanding the functionality of the 'rm' command is essential for effective file management within a terminal environment.