In Linux, which file contains user account information?

The file that contains user account information in Linux is /etc/passwd. This file is essential for the system as it holds basic details about each user account on the machine. Specifically, it includes the username, user ID (UID), group ID (GID), user information such as the full name, home directory, and the shell associated with the user.

The structure of the /etc/passwd file allows for easy retrieval of user information, enabling various system functions related to user authentication and access control. Each line in the file corresponds to a single user account and follows a specific format, which the operating system and applications can interpret.

The other choices do not serve this purpose. /etc/usermap, /etc/userinfo, and /etc/accounts are not standard files in Linux systems; they do not traditionally hold user account data as /etc/passwd does. Knowing the significance and role of /etc/passwd is crucial for understanding user account management within a Linux environment.