In the world of programming and file navigation, the ellipsis, represented by three consecutive periods (`…`), holds a significant meaning. It serves as a wildcard character that matches any path or file component. File Path Matching: When used in file paths, `…` matches any number of directories or files. For instance, the following path: “` /home/user/documents/… “` expands to include all files and directories within the `documents` directory and its subdirectories. File Name Matching: `…` can also be used in file names to match any number of characters. For example, the expression: “` *.txt “` matches all files with the `.txt` extension, regardless of their names. Recursive Directory Search: When used in conjunction with a recursive search function, `…` allows for a depth-first traversal of a file system. It ensures that all files and directories within a given directory are included in the search result. Symbolic Links: In case of symbolic links, `…` follows the link to resolve the actual path. This means that if a symbolic link points to a directory, `…` will expand to include all the files and directories within the linked directory. Exceptions: It’s worth noting that `…` is not a wildcard in all situations. In some file systems, such as NTFS and FAT, `…` is treated as a literal string and does not match any path or file components. Use Cases: `…` finds its applications in various scenarios, including: * Batch file processing: Finding and manipulating files with specific patterns. * Recursive searches: Traversing directories and subdirectories to locate files or data. * Wildcard permissions: Granting access to files or directories with flexible naming conventions. * Path traversal protection: Preventing malicious actors from accessing sensitive areas by limiting wildcard characters in file paths. In conclusion, the ellipsis operator (`…`) is a versatile wildcard character used to match any path or file component. It enables efficient file processing, recursive searches, and flexible access control in various programming and file management applications.Drone Strike Kills Top ISIS Commander in Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan – A U.S. drone strike has killed a top commander of the Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced today. The strike targeted Qari Fateh, who was responsible for planning and executing attacks on Afghan civilians and security forces, according to the Pentagon. Fateh’s death is a significant blow to the group, which has been weakened by a series of military operations in recent months. “This operation will disrupt the activities of the Islamic State in Afghanistan and enhance the security of the Afghan people,” said Pentagon spokesman Col. Pat Ryder. Fateh’s death comes as the Taliban, which retook control of Afghanistan in August 2021, is facing international pressure to crack down on the Islamic State affiliate. New Study Highlights Racial Disparities in U.S. Health Care WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new study has found that racial disparities in U.S. health care are widespread and persist across a range of health conditions. The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed data from over 500,000 adults in the United States. Researchers found that Black Americans were more likely than white Americans to have poor health outcomes for conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The disparities were particularly pronounced for Black women, who had the highest rates of death from breast cancer and cervical cancer. The study authors attributed the disparities to a combination of factors, including social, economic, and environmental factors. Climate Change Study Predicts Extreme Heat Waves in the Future PARIS, France – A new study predicts that extreme heat waves will become more frequent and intense in the future due to climate change. The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, used computer models to simulate future climate conditions. Researchers found that the number of days with extreme heat is projected to increase by 40% by the end of the century, even if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The study also found that extreme heat waves will be more likely to occur in urban areas, where temperatures can be significantly higher than in rural areas. The findings of the study underscore the urgent need to take action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects.