mode

The mode command is a command line tool used in various operating systems, including Microsoft Windows and Unix-like systems. It is primarily used to display or change the access mode of files and directories. The access mode determines the permissions associated with a file or directory, specifying what actions can be performed on it by different users in the system.

When used without any arguments, the mode command displays the current access mode of a specified file or directory. This includes the read, write, and execute permissions for the owner, group, and other users.

Additionally, the mode command can be used to change the access mode of a specified file or directory using symbolic or octal notation. Symbolic notation uses letters and symbols (such as u, g, o, +, -, and =) to add, remove, or set permissions, while octal notation uses numeric values to represent permissions directly.

The mode command is a powerful tool that allows administrators to control file and directory access, ensuring proper security and privacy measures. It is often utilized in various scripts and automation tasks to manage permissions efficiently.