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8 Top cp Command Examples in Linux

8 Top cp Command Examples in Linux

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In-depth Information to Utilizing the cp Command in Linux

On this planet of Linux, there are a number of important Linux Terminal instructions that may make your workflow easy. One such command is the cp command, which helps you rapidly copy information and directories in your Linux system. On this article, we’ll focus on some examples of easy methods to use the cp command in Linux.

cp Command in Linux: Syntax and Choices

In Linux, cp stands for “copy” and is used to repeat each information and directories, making it an absolute necessity for file administration. The cp command can be utilized by customers of every type, due to its easy syntax: cp <choices> <source_file> <destination_file>

A number of the widespread choices to pair with the cp command in Linux are:

Choices

Description
-i Prompts the person earlier than the copy operation takes place
-b Creates a backup of the destination_file in the identical folder with a distinct title
-f Used to forcefully create a duplicate of the supply file when it doesn’t have write permission
-r Recursively copies a listing and its contents
-l Creates hardlinks as a substitute of copying the information
-s Creates softlinks as a substitute of copying the information
-u Copies information provided that the supply is newer than the vacation spot
-v Reveals details about the present operation happening

Greatest Examples of cp Command in Linux

Now that you realize the syntax of the cp command, let’s have a look at some examples of easy methods to use this command to repeat information and directories in Linux.

1. Copy a Single File to the Vacation spot

That is the commonest use case for the cp command, i.e. to make a duplicate of a single file. The syntax to make a duplicate of a single file utilizing the cp command is as follows:

cp <choices> <source_file> <destination_directory>

For instance, to make a duplicate of the file “check.txt” to “destination_directory/”, use the cp command as:

cp -v check.txt dest_directory/

2. Copy A number of Information to the Vacation spot

Identical to you may make a duplicate of a single file, you’ll be able to even use the cp command to repeat a number of information to a vacation spot listing:

cp <choices> <file_1> <file_2> <file_3> <destination_directory>

For instance, to repeat the information file1.txt, file2.txt, file3.txt to the “dest_directory” listing:

cp file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt dest_directory/

3. Copy a Single Listing to a Vacation spot Listing

With the -r flag, you should use the cp command to repeat the complete listing to a brand new vacation spot:

cp <choices> <source_directory> <destination_directory>

For instance, to repeat the “source_dir” listing with its contents:

cp -v -r source_dir/ dest_directory

4. Copy A number of Directories to a Vacation spot Listing

Identical to you copy a number of information, a lot the identical approach you’ll be able to copy a number of directories. The syntax to repeat a number of directories:

cp -r <choice> <directory1> <directory2> <directory3> <destination_directory>

For instance:

cp -r -v dir1/ dir2/ dir3/ dest_directory/

5. Protect File Permissions for Copied File

Usually while you copy a file utilizing the cp command, the copied file could have the file permissions as per the default permissions set for each new file that’s created. To protect the unique file’s permission, use the -p flag:

cp <choices> -p <source_file> <destination_file>

For instance, to protect the permissions of “check.txt”, use the cp command as:

cp -p -v check.txt file.txt

6. Keep away from Overwriting the Vacation spot File

By default, the cp command overwrites any pre-existing file within the vacation spot with the identical title. To keep away from overwriting the filename, use the -n:

cp <choices> -n <source_file> <destination_file>

For instance, to keep away from overwriting the file “check.txt” whereas copying:

cp -v -n check.txt file.txt

7. Drive Copy of the Supply File

Typically the supply file doesn’t have write permissions to make a duplicate. In such a case, you should use the -f flag to forcefully make a duplicate of the supply file:

cp <choice> -f <source_file> <destination_file>

For instance:

cp -f -v file1.txt file2.txt

8. Create Hyperlinks as a substitute of Copying the File

Typically, it’s possible you’ll have to create a tough hyperlink or a symbolic hyperlink of the supply file as a substitute of truly copying the file. To create a tough hyperlink, use the -l flag and to create a symbolic hyperlink use the -s flag:

cp <choices> -l <source_file> <destination_file>

OR

cp <choices> -s <source_file> <destination_file>

For instance, to create a symbolic hyperlink for the file “check.txt”:

cp -v -s check.txt test1.txt

Conclusion

The cp command in Linux is a strong instrument for file and listing administration. It permits customers to simply copy information and directories, whereas offering a number of choices for personalization. Whether or not it’s worthwhile to make a easy copy of a file or copy a number of directories, the cp command has obtained you lined. By understanding the syntax and choices of the cp command, you’ll be able to effectively handle your information within the Linux Terminal.

FAQs

What’s the cp command in Linux?

The cp command in Linux is used to repeat information and directories. It permits customers to make copies of single information, a number of information, single directories, and even a number of directories. The cp command additionally presents choices for preserving file permissions, avoiding overwriting current information, and creating arduous or symbolic hyperlinks.

How do I copy a single file utilizing the cp command?

To repeat a single file utilizing the cp command, use the next syntax:

cp <choices> <source_file> <destination_directory>

For instance, to make a duplicate of the file “check.txt” to the “destination_directory/”, use the cp command as:

cp -v check.txt dest_directory/

Can I copy a number of information utilizing the cp command?

Sure, you’ll be able to copy a number of information utilizing the cp command. Merely record the information you wish to copy adopted by the vacation spot listing. The syntax for copying a number of information is:

cp <choices> <file_1> <file_2> <file_3> <destination_directory>

For instance, to repeat the information file1.txt, file2.txt, file3.txt to the “dest_directory” listing:

cp file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt dest_directory/

How do I copy a listing utilizing the cp command?

To repeat a listing utilizing the cp command, use the -r flag. The syntax for copying a listing is:

cp <choices> <source_directory> <destination_directory>

For instance, to repeat the “source_dir” listing with its contents:

cp -v -r source_dir/ dest_directory

How can I protect file permissions when copying a file?

By default, while you copy a file utilizing the cp command, the copied file could have the default permissions set for brand new information. To protect the unique file’s permissions, use the -p flag. The syntax for preserving file permissions is:

cp <choices> -p <source_file> <destination_file>

For instance, to protect the permissions of “check.txt”, use the cp command as:

cp -p -v check.txt file.txt

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