What does the command 'rm -r directory' do?

The command 'rm -r directory' is used to remove a directory and all of its contents recursively. This means that when the command is executed, it will delete the specified directory as well as all files and subdirectories contained within it. The recursive flag, indicated by the '-r' option, is essential for this operation, as it instructs the command to not only delete the directory itself but also to traverse into any nested directories and remove everything inside.

This capability is particularly powerful, and caution is advised when using this command, as it can lead to the irreversible loss of data if not used carefully. The absence of a confirmation prompt when using this command can result in unintended deletions, especially if the path to the directory is specified incorrectly. Therefore, understanding the implications of the '-r' option is crucial for safe and effective file management in a Linux environment.