Linux cp Command

The Linux cp (full English name: copy file) command is mainly used to copy files or directories.

Syntax

cp [options] source dest

cp [options] source... directory

Parameter Description:

-a: This option is usually used when copying directories, it retains links, file attributes, and copies all contents under the directory. Its function is equivalent to the combination of dpR parameters.
-d: Keep links when copying. The links referred to here are similar to shortcuts in the Windows system.
-f: Overwrite existing target files without prompting.
-i: With-f option is the opposite, it prompts the user to confirm whether to overwrite before overwriting the target file, and when the user answers "y", the target file will be overwritten.
-p: In addition to copying the content of the file, the modification time and access permissions are also copied to the new file.
-r: If the given source file is a directory file, then all subdirectories and files under it will be copied.
-l: Do not copy files, only generate link files.

Use the cp command to copy the current directory test/ to copy all files under to the new directory newtest Enter the following command:

$ cp --r test/ newtest

Note: When using this command to copy directories, the parameter must be used -r or -R .