The cp command is used to copy files and directories in Linux.
cp [OPTION]... SOURCE DESTINATION
-
Copy a file from one location to another:
cp file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Copy a directory and its contents recursively:
cp -r my_folder /home/user/backup/ -
Copy a file and preserve attributes (timestamps, ownership, etc.):
cp -p file.txt /home/user/backup/ -
Copy multiple files to a directory:
cp file1.txt file2.txt /home/user/backup/ -
Copy a file with verbose output:
cp -v file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Copy a file but prompt before overwriting:
cp -i file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Copy only newer files (to avoid overwriting newer versions):
cp -u file.txt /home/user/backup/ -
Copy a symbolic link instead of its target:
cp -P symlink /home/user/backup/ -
Copy a file to multiple destinations:
cp file.txt /home/user/Documents/ /home/user/backup/
The mv command is used to move or rename files and directories in Linux.
mv [OPTION]... SOURCE DESTINATION
-
Move a file to another directory:
mv file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Rename a file:
mv oldname.txt newname.txt -
Move a directory:
mv my_folder /home/user/backup/ -
Move multiple files to a directory:
mv file1.txt file2.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Rename a directory:
mv old_folder new_folder -
Move a file but prompt before overwriting:
mv -i file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Move a file and provide verbose output:
mv -v file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Force move a file without prompting:
mv -f file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Backup an existing destination file before moving:
mv --backup file.txt /home/user/Documents/ -
Move a file but prevent overwriting if the file exists:
mv -n file.txt /home/user/Documents/