TestOut Linux Pro Practice Test

Using 'ls -l' on a directory provides a detailed listing of the directory contents, offering crucial information about each file and subdirectory contained within it. This includes file permissions, which indicate who can read, write, or execute each file; the size of the files in bytes; and the modification date and time, which shows when the file was last changed.

Additionally, 'ls -l' will also display the owner and group associated with each file, along with the file name itself. This command is particularly useful for users to gain insight into the state and accessibility of files in a directory.

The other choices focus on narrower aspects or incorrect aspects of what 'ls -l' outputs. It does not provide only file names, nor does it exclusively feature directory modification dates or file creation dates, as the latter is not available directly through 'ls' unless specifically configured.