What is the purpose of the ‘source’ command in Linux?

The source command is a built-in command in the Linux system that is used to execute commands in a specified file and run them as part of the current Shell process.

In specific terms, the function of the source command is as follows:

1. Read and execute commands from a specified file in the current Shell process.
2. This can be used to load and execute Shell scripts, enabling the variables and functions defined in the script to take effect in the current Shell session.
3. source (source of information)
4. This can be used to execute functions in other shell scripts, thus avoiding the need for redundant definitions and script loading.

In short, the source command is used to execute commands or scripts from a specified file within the current Shell environment, making variables and functions within that file active in the current Shell session.