Related

List Directory Contents

linux

List files and directories in the current or specified directory with various formatting options.

Remove Files or Directories

linux

Delete files or directories permanently.

Move or Rename Files

linux

Move or rename files and directories.

linux/cp

Copy Files

Copy files and directories from one location to another.

filesystem
basic
copy
linux

Command

cp

Explanation

The `cp` (copy) command duplicates files or directories. The source and destination can be absolute or relative paths. The `-r` or `--recursive` flag allows copying directories. The `-p` flag preserves file attributes like timestamps and permissions. Use `-v` to display verbose output during copying.

Common Use Cases

  • •Backup files or directories
  • •Duplicate configuration files before editing
  • •Copy project folders to a new environment

Best Practices

  • ✓Use `-i` to prompt before overwriting existing files
  • ✓Use `-v` for verbose output during copy operations
  • ✓Combine with `-p` to preserve timestamps and permissions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ⚠Forgetting `-r` when copying directories
  • ⚠Overwriting files unintentionally without confirmation
  • ⚠Not preserving file permissions with `-p`

Troubleshooting

Problem: Permission denied when copying files

Solution: Use `sudo cp` if elevated privileges are needed.

Problem: Files not copied recursively

Solution: Add the `-r` flag when copying directories.

Examples

Copy file to directory

cp file.txt backup/

Recursively copy directory and its contents

cp -r dir1/ dir2/

More

Create File or Update Timestamps

linux

Create new empty files or update existing file timestamps.

Secure Copy Files Between Hosts

linux

Securely copy files or directories between local and remote hosts over SSH.

Change Directory

linux

Change the current working directory to a specified path.