Description: Masking is the process of hiding certain data by replacing it with a mask, which can be a set of characters or symbols that do not reveal the original information. This concept is fundamental in various areas of technology, including programming, system administration, and information security. In general, masking can refer to the concealment of sensitive configurations or data in scripts or configuration files. In many contexts, masking can be used to disable services or features so that they do not activate automatically, thus protecting the system from potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, in shell scripting, masking is used to handle sensitive data, such as passwords, preventing them from being exposed in command outputs or logs. This process is essential for maintaining the privacy and security of information, allowing administrators and developers to work with data without compromising its integrity or confidentiality.