What does the 'ping' command primarily test?

The 'ping' command primarily tests network connectivity between the host and a specified IP address. When issued, it sends Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request packets to the designated IP address and waits for a reply. By analyzing the response, users can determine whether the target device is reachable over the network. If the target IP responds, it confirms that there is an active connection, indicating both the presence and functioning of the network path between the two devices.

While it may also provide some insights into the time it takes for the round trip (latency), the main purpose of the command is to assess connectivity, rather than testing data transfer speed, response times for database queries, or security measures. These other aspects are typically evaluated using different tools or commands specifically designed for those purposes.