atdir

AtDir is a command-line utility designed for Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS. It is part of the GNU Core Utilities package and is used to list the contents of a directory. The name "atdir" is derived from the combination of "at" and "directory," reflecting its purpose of listing directory contents.

The primary function of atdir is to display the names of files and subdirectories within a specified directory. It can be invoked by typing "atdir" followed by the directory path. If no directory is specified, atdir defaults to listing the contents of the current working directory.

AtDir provides several options to customize its output. For example, the "-l" option can be used to display detailed information about each file, including permissions, number of links, owner, group, size, and modification date. The "-a" option includes hidden files (those starting with a dot) in the listing, while the "-h" option makes file sizes human-readable.

AtDir is a fundamental tool for navigating and managing files in a Unix-like environment. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a staple in the command-line toolkit of many system administrators and power users. Despite its straightforward functionality, atdir plays a crucial role in the daily operations of those who rely on the command line for their work.