getent

Query system databases

low risk

interactive breakdown — edit the command and press Explain
$ 
What it does

Looks up passwd, group, hosts and other NSS databases, including LDAP/SSSD sources.

Examples
getent passwd aliceUser entry · explain & risk-check →
getent hosts example.comResolve via NSS · explain & risk-check →
Related
id dig
Open the full explainer →More in Shell & Scripting

Reference text is hand-written and may be incomplete — check man getent for your version. Test destructive commands on a non-production system first.