Which of the following is not considered a user-to-user communication command in Unix/Linux environments?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: grep

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Unix provides several utilities for interactive communication between users on the same system or across systems. Distinguishing these from text-processing tools is important when administering multi-user environments or studying classic Unix command sets.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The commands listed are common on traditional Unix systems.
  • We are identifying which one is not meant for user communication.
  • Basic behaviors of each command are assumed knowledge.


Concept / Approach:

write sends a message to another logged-in user's terminal. mesg controls whether a terminal will accept messages from others (e.g., mesg n to disallow). mail (or mailx) handles sending and reading electronic mail. In contrast, grep is a pattern-matching utility for searching text streams; it does not provide user-to-user communication.


Step-by-Step Solution:

List communication tools: write, mesg, mail.Identify the outlier: grep is text search.Confirm by usage examples.Select the non-communication command.


Verification / Alternative check:

Try write user (if enabled) to send a message; use mesg to toggle; mail user to send email. grep searches text, e.g., grep ERROR /var/log/syslog, confirming its different role.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • write: direct terminal-to-terminal messaging.
  • mesg: controls message permission; part of communication workflow.
  • mail: email utility; explicit communication.
  • None of the above: incorrect; one item (grep) is clearly not a communication command.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Assuming mesg sends messages; it only enables/disables reception.
  • Confusing mail (local MTA interface) with modern MUAs; the principle remains the same.


Final Answer:

grep.

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