Create Delete Copy and Move Files and Directories

Managing files and directories is a foundational skill for any Linux user or administrator. In this guide, you’ll learn how to list, create, copy, move (or rename), and delete files and directories using core commands like ls, touch, mkdir, cp, mv, and rm.

Listing Files and Directories with `ls`

The ls (list) command displays directory contents. By default, hidden files (those beginning with .) are not shown.

Common `ls` Usage

Flag	Description	Example
(none)	Show non-hidden items	`ls`
`-a`	Include all entries, including `.` files	`ls -a`
`-l`	Long format (permissions, owner, size)	`ls -l /var/log`
`-h`	Human-readable sizes (use with `-l`)	`ls -lh`
`-alh`	Combine all flags	`ls -alh`

Basic Listing

$ ls
Desktop  Documents  Downloads  Music  Pictures  Videos

Including Hidden Files

$ ls -a
.   ..   .bashrc   .ssh   Desktop   Documents   Downloads   Music   Pictures   Videos

Detailed, Human-Readable Output

$ ls -alh
total 76K
drwx------. 16 aaron aaron 4.0K Nov  1 17:57 .
drwxr-xr-x.  7 root  root  4.0K Oct 26 16:54 ..
-rw-------   1 aaron aaron 5.0K Nov  1 17:56 .bash_history
...

Understanding the Linux File System Tree

Linux files and directories form an inverted tree with / as the root. Every path you use is either absolute (from /) or relative (from your current directory).

/
- /home
  - /home/aaron
    - /home/aaron/Documents
    - /home/aaron/Downloads
- /var
- /etc

Absolute vs. Relative Paths

Absolute paths start with / and always refer to the same location.
Relative paths begin from your current directory (check with pwd).

Absolute Path

/home/aaron/Documents/invoice.pdf

Relative Path

$ pwd
/home/aaron

# From /home/aaron, this goes to invoice.pdf inside Documents
$ cd Documents
$ ls invoice.pdf

To move up one level:

$ cd ..

Jump to your home directory:

$ cd
$ pwd
/home/aaron

The image shows a directory structure with a command line interface on the left. The directory tree includes folders like "home," "var," and "root," with a file named "Invoice.pdf" under "aaron/Documents."

Creating Files and Directories

Create an empty file:
```
$ touch receipt.pdf
```
Create a directory:
```
$ mkdir receipts
```

Both commands accept absolute or relative paths:

$ mkdir /home/aaron/new_folder

Copying Files and Directories with `cp`

Use cp to duplicate files and directories.

Copying a Single File

$ cp receipt.pdf receipts/

To copy and rename at the same time:

$ cp receipt.pdf receipts/receipt_backup.pdf

The image shows a file directory structure with a command line interface on the left. The directory path includes folders named "home," "aaron," and "Receipts," leading to a file named "Receipt.pdf."

Copying Directories Recursively

$ cp -r Receipts/ BackupOfReceipts/

This duplicates the entire Receipts folder and its contents into BackupOfReceipts. Ensure the destination name does not already exist to avoid nesting.

Moving and Renaming with `mv`

The mv command handles both moving and renaming:

Move a file:
```
$ mv receipt.pdf receipts/
```
Rename a file:
```
$ mv receipt.pdf old_receipt.pdf
```
Rename or move a directory:
```
$ mv receipts/ old_receipts/
```

No recursive flag is needed for directories; mv automatically moves contents.

Deleting Files and Directories with `rm`

Use caution when removing files and directories:

Remove a file:
```
$ rm invoice.pdf
```
Remove a non-empty directory:
```
$ rm -r invoices/
```

Warning

The rm -r command permanently deletes directories and their contents. Always double-check the path before pressing Enter!

References

Watch Video

Watch video content

Listing Files and Directories with ls

Common ls Usage