In the netstat command syntax, which parameter is used to display the contents of the IP routing table?

Using the -r parameter in the netstat command syntax allows users to display the contents of the IP routing table. When this option is selected, it reveals information about the available routes meant for network traffic on the system. This includes details such as destination addresses, gateways, and various route metrics. This functionality is particularly useful for network administrators when troubleshooting connectivity issues or understanding the current routing configuration of a device.

The other parameters serve different purposes: the -a option displays all active connections and listening ports, the -s option provides statistics by protocol, and the -n option shows addresses and port numbers in numerical form rather than resolving them to hostnames, which is helpful for reducing the time needed for resolution but does not pertain to routing tables. Thus, the -r parameter is distinctly focused on showcasing the routing information critical for network management.