Which command is correct for initiating a network scan with Nmap?

The command "nmap www.target.com" is correct for initiating a network scan with Nmap. This command performs a default scan that includes host discovery and port scanning on the specified target, which in this case is "www.target.com". It is a straightforward way to gather information about the target system's open ports and services running on those ports.

The use of just the target address without extra flags leads Nmap to use its default settings, which typically include scanning the most common 1,000 ports and using TCP SYN packets to determine the state of the ports. This allows you to quickly understand the security posture or service exposure of the target.

While other command structures might seem close or even enticing due to additional flags, they do not match the simplicity and efficiency of this particular command. Understanding these basic commands is essential for performing effective network scans while utilizing Nmap.