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This guide demonstrates how to manage files and directories on Linux by creating, deleting, copying, and moving them. Before diving into the commands, ensure you understand these key concepts:
  1. File system tree structure
  2. Absolute paths
  3. Relative paths

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Listing Files and Directories

To list files and directories—including hidden files (those starting with a dot)—use the ls -la command. The -a flag stands for “all” and the -l flag provides a detailed, long listing format. Here are some examples: 
$ ls -la
$ ls -a
To list files for a specific directory, include the directory path: 
$ ls /var/log
$ ls -l /var/log
The command ls -l /var/log displays detailed information such as file permissions, ownership, and modification dates. Combining options is also possible: 
$ ls -ahl
total 76K
drwx------ 16 aaron aaron  4.0K Nov  1 17:57 .
drwxr-xr-x  7 root  root   70 Oct 26 16:54 ..
-rw-------  1 aaron aaron  5.0K Nov  1 17:56 .bash_history
-rw-r--r--  1 aaron aaron   18 Jul 27 09:21 .bash_logout
-rw-r--r--  1 aaron aaron  141 Jul 27 09:21 .bash_profile
-rw-r--r--  1 aaron aaron  376 Jul 27 09:21 .bashrc
drwxr-xr-x  2 aaron aaron    6 Oct 19 00:11 Desktop
drwxr-xr-x  3 aaron aaron   25 Oct 23 18:15 Documents
drwxr-xr-x  2 aaron aaron    6 Oct 19 00:11 Downloads
drwxr-xr-x  2 aaron aaron    6 Oct 19 00:11 Music
drwxr-xr-x  2 aaron aaron    2 Oct 19 00:11 Pictures
-rw-rw-r--  1 aaron aaron   36 Oct 28 20:06 testfile
Using combined options like ls -ahl makes it quicker to view comprehensive file information.

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Understanding the File System Tree

Linux organizes files and directories in what’s known as a file system tree. In this inverted hierarchy, the root is at the top and branches (subdirectories) and leaves (files) extend downward. The root directory is represented by a forward slash (/), and it forms the base for other essential directories such as home, var, and etc.

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Absolute and Relative Paths

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Absolute Paths

Absolute paths start from the root directory (/) and specify the complete location of a file or directory. For example, consider the following absolute path leading to a file named Invoice.pdf: /home/aaron/Documents/Invoice.pdf
The image shows a directory structure diagram illustrating an absolute path from the root directory to a file named "Invoice.pdf" located in "/home/aaron/Documents".

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Relative Paths

Relative paths are defined in relation to your current working directory. To display your current directory, use the pwd command: 
$ pwd
By default, you usually start in your home directory (e.g., /home/Aaron or /home/Jane). Changing directories can be done using the cd command: 
$ cd /var/log   # Uses an absolute path
$ cd ..         # Moves up one directory level
Here, .. refers to the parent directory. For example, if you are in /home/Aaron, executing cd .. will take you to /home.

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Relative Path Examples

Assume your current directory is /home/Aaron:
  • To access a file inside the Documents subdirectory: 
    $ Documents/Invoice.pdf
  • To access a file in the current directory: 
    $ Invoice.pdf
  • To access a file located one directory above: 
    $ ../Invoice.pdf
You can chain .. to move up multiple levels (e.g., ../../Invoice.pdf moves up two levels). Additional directory commands:
  • Switch to the root directory: 
    $ cd /
  • Return to your previous directory: 
    $ cd -
  • Return to your home directory: 
    $ cd

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Creating Files and Directories

To create a new file, use the touch command. For example, to create receipt.pdf in the current directory: 
$ touch receipt.pdf
You can create a file in another location using an absolute or relative path: 
$ touch /home/Jane/receipt.pdf
$ touch ../Jane_receipt.pdf
To create a new directory, use the mkdir command: 
$ mkdir receipts

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Copying Files and Directories

The cp command copies files. You provide a source file and specify a destination. For instance, to copy receipt.pdf to the receipts directory: 
$ cp receipt.pdf receipts/
Adding a trailing slash (i.e., receipts/) specifies that the destination is a directory. To copy and rename a file simultaneously: 
$ cp receipt.pdf receipts/receipt_copy.pdf
To copy an entire directory with its contents, use the -r (recursive) flag: 
$ cp -r Receipts/ BackupOfReceipts/
Ensure the destination directory (e.g., BackupOfReceipts/) does not already exist when using recursive copying, as behavior may vary across systems.

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Moving and Renaming Files and Directories

The mv command is used for moving files between directories or renaming them. Here are some examples:
  • To move a file into another directory: 
    $ mv Receipt.pdf Receipts/
  • To rename a file: 
    $ mv receipt.pdf old_receipt.pdf
  • To rename a directory: 
    $ mv receipts old_receipts
Note that you don’t need a recursive flag when moving directories; mv handles them by default.

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Deleting Files and Directories

To delete files, use the rm command. For example, to remove Invoice.pdf: 
$ rm Invoice.pdf
To remove a directory and all its contents, apply the -r flag: 
$ rm -r invoices
Always double-check the command before running rm -r to avoid accidental deletion of important files or directories.
With these commands and explanations, you are now equipped with a solid foundation for managing files and directories in Linux. For additional Linux command cheatsheets and best practices, consider exploring more guides and tutorials online.

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