File Commands
ls
ls list files in a directory.
ls
With no argument, listing the entire contents of the current working directory is assumed.
Like most Unix commands, it has many options. They may be combined.
| Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
| -l | long listing, includes file date, size, and permissions |
| -a | displays all files including hidden (dotfiles) |
| -h | show file sizes in human readable terms |
| -C | lay out listing in columns |
| -1 | (digit one) list one file per line, no header |
| -t | show the newest files first |
| -r | reverse the order |
| -F | append a symbol to indicate the type of file (ordinary, executable, directory |
ls -ltr ./projects
cp
cp to copy a file.
cp file1.txt file2.txt
cp mymod.py ../projects/python_code
Commonly-used options:
| Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
| -i | ask for confirmation before overwriting an existing file |
| -r | copy recursively all subdirectories |
| -n | “noclobber”; do not overwrite an existing file |
| -f | force an overwrite of an existing file |
cp -r /share/resources/tutorials/rivanna-cl ~
mv
mv to rename or move a file.
mv file1.txt file2.txt
mv mymod.py ../projects/python_code
Options for mv are similar to cp.
rm
rm to remove a file or directory
rm file1.txt
rm file1.txt data.csv
Once the file is removed, it is gone and can no longer be accessed.
Options for rm are similar to cp.
By default, the rm command does not ask for confirmation before deleting a file! Use the
-i option if you are unsure.