Which parameter of the smbpasswd command is used to add an account to the Samba database?

The parameter used with the smbpasswd command to add an account to the Samba database is indeed the option that allows for the specification of an account to be created. When you use the -a flag with smbpasswd, it indicates that you are adding a new user to the Samba user database. This is typically done alongside providing the username of the account you wish to add.

Using smbpasswd with the -a option raises the prompt for a password, which is then associated with the newly created Samba account. This step is crucial because it establishes authentication credentials that will be used by clients trying to connect to the Samba server.

In contrast, other options like -d would be used to disable a user account, -x is for deleting a user from the Samba database, and -e would enable a previously disabled account. Therefore, none of these options would successfully add an account, which is why the -a parameter stands out as the correct choice.