What does 'ls -l' display compared to 'ls'?

The command 'ls -l' displays detailed information about files and directories in long format, which is a key feature that distinguishes it from the basic 'ls' command. While 'ls' provides a simple list of files and directories in the current directory, 'ls -l' presents a more comprehensive view that includes important details such as file permissions, the number of links, the owner's username, the owner's group, file size, and the last modification date and time. This detailed output allows users to gain insights into file attributes and access rights, which is essential for effective file management and system administration.

The other options provide different functionalities or characteristics that 'ls -l' does not specifically address. For instance, while 'ls' does display hidden files if used with the '-a' option, 'ls -l' on its own does not specifically change that behavior. Similarly, 'ls -l' does not sort files by size or present them in a different user-friendly format; instead, it offers a specific layout of file information that includes both technical details and a structured format. Thus, the accurate description of 'ls -l' is its ability to display detailed information about files and directories in long format.