What information does the command "show spanning-tree" provide?

The command "show spanning-tree" is specifically designed to provide information about the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) configuration and its current operational state on a switch. This command outputs critical details such as the switch's role in the spanning tree topology, its bridge priority, port states, and port roles (like root port, designated port, etc.), as well as the overall status of the STP process.

Understanding this information is vital for network administrators since STP is essential for preventing loops in Layer 2 networks. By assessing the spanning tree configuration, network professionals can troubleshoot issues related to network loops and ensure that the network is functioning optimally without packet loss or broadcast storms caused by misconfigured switch ports.