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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 14 (from laksa090)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa014.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/move-copy-files-linux\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/move-copy-files-linux\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/blog\/move-copy-files-linux","crawl_time":1773258012,"first_indexed_time":1730100018,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,redhat!www,\/en\/blog\/move-copy-files-linux s443","src_root_hash":"4780968593380432814","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Linux fundamentals: How to copy, move, and rename files and directories","meta_descriptions":["Copying, moving, and renaming files and directories are standard tasks for sysadmins and end users. Depending on your Linux distribution, you can accompl..."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Copying, moving, and renaming files and directories are standard tasks for sysadmins and end users. Depending on your Linux distribution, you can accomplish these operations in various ways.\nThe\nBash shell\nis usually the most efficient tool for file management. This article assumes you already have a basic understanding of how to open a Linux terminal and enter commands. (See \nHow to access the Linux terminal\nif you want a refresher.) Connect to your Linux terminal with your regular user account, and get ready to reorganize.\nChange to your home directory and\ncreate a new directory\nnamed\nmydir\nfor the exercises. The command to create a new directory is\nmkdir\n:\n$ mkdir mydir\n$ cd mydir\/\nMove files and directories\nThe\nmv\ncommand moves both directories and files. Check its options and parameters from the\n--help\nresults below:\n$ mv --help\nUsage: mv [OPTION]... [-T] SOURCE DEST\n  or:  mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY\n  or:  mv [OPTION]... -t DIRECTORY SOURCE...\nRename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY.\n\nMandatory arguments to long options are mandatory for short options too.\n      --backup[=CONTROL]       make a backup of each existing destination file\n  -b                           like --backup but does not accept an argument\n  -f, --force                  do not prompt before overwriting\n  -i, --interactive            prompt before overwrite\n  -n, --no-clobber             do not overwrite an existing file\nIf you specify more than one of -i, -f, -n, only the final one takes effect.\n      --strip-trailing-slashes  remove any trailing slashes from each SOURCE\n                                 argument\n  -S, --suffix=SUFFIX          override the usual backup suffix\n  -t, --target-directory=DIRECTORY  move all SOURCE arguments into DIRECTORY\n  -T, --no-target-directory    treat DEST as a normal file\n  -u, --update                 move only when the SOURCE file is newer\n                                 than the destination file or when the\n                                 destination file is missing\n  -v, --verbose                explain what is being done\n  -Z, --context                set SELinux security context of destination\n                                 file to default type\n      --help     display this help and exit\n      --version  output version information and exit\n\nThe backup suffix is '~', unless set with --suffix or SIMPLE_BACKUP_SUFFIX.\nThe version control method may be selected via the --backup option or through\nthe VERSION_CONTROL environment variable.  Here are the values:\n\n  none, off       never make backups (even if --backup is given)\n  numbered, t     make numbered backups\n  existing, nil   numbered if numbered backups exist, simple otherwise\n  simple, never   always make simple backups\nRename files and directories\nYou also use the\nmv\ncommand to rename directories and files if the destination doesn't already exist. If the destination exists, then they're moved using the syntax\nmv {source} {destination}\n. Here is an example of moving existing files to existing directories:\n$ ls -l\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 14:57 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 17:52 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 17:52 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:31 file1\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:33 file2\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:33 file3\n\n$ mv file1 dir1\/\n\n$ mv file2 dir2\/\n\n$ mv file3 dir3\/\n\n$ ls -l\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n[mydir]$ ls -lR\n.:\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n\n.\/dir1:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:31 file1\n\n.\/dir2:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:33 file2\n\n.\/dir3:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:33 file3\n\n.\/dir4:\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:35 subdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:35 file4\n[ Boost your Bash skills. Download the \nBash shell scripting cheat sheet\n. ]\nAnd you can use the\nmv\ncommand to move directories into other directories:\n$ ls -1\ndir1\ndir2\ndir3\ndir4\n\n$ mv dir1\/ dir2\/\n\n$ mv dir2\/ dir3\/\n\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\nThe\ndir1\nand\ndir2\ndirectories still exist; you've just moved them. See what it looks like for yourself:\n$ ls -R\ndir3\ndir4\n\n.\/dir3:\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2:\ndir1\nfile2\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4:\nsubdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\nCopy files and directories\nThe\ncp\ncommand copies both files and directories. This command has many options, but the basic syntax is simple. Run\ncp {source} {destination}\nto copy from one place (source) to another (destination). Consider the following example:\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\n\n$ cp dir4\/subdir1\/file4 .\n\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\nfile4\n\n$ ls -R dir4\/\ndir4\/:\nsubdir1\n\ndir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\n[ Download the free \nLinux commands cheat sheet\n. ]\nTo copy an entire directory with its contents, use the\n-R\noption, as seen below:\n$ cp -R dir3\/ dir4\/\n\n$ ls -R\ndir3\ndir4\nfile4\n\n.\/dir3:\ntotal 0\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2:\ndir1\nfile2\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4:\ndir3\nsubdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3:\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3\/dir2:\nfile2\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\nWhen you copy empty directories into other directories, there's no need for the\n-R\nparameter.\nMore to explore\nFor each command I've demonstrated, there are many more options I've left out for the sake of brevity.\nAs a sysadmin, you must know how to copy, move, and rename files and directories. These file-management commands are the basis of much of what you do on the system and are the building blocks for effective Linux administration. I hope this article aids you in understanding this topic, helps your Linux certification path, and adds to your general sysadmin knowledge.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/blog\/move-copy-files-linux#rhdc-main-content)\n\n## Navigation\nMenu\n\nAI\n\n- ### Overview\n  - [AI news](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/blog\/channel\/artificial-intelligence)\n  - [Technical blog](https:\/\/developers.redhat.com\/blog?field_tax_product_target_id%5B37288%5D=37288&extIdCarryOver=true&intcmp=7013a000003Sl59AAC&sc_cid=RHCTG0250000454096&_gl=1%2A1jal9i8%2A_gcl_au%2ANjU2NDY1NTAwLjE3NjQ2MTY4NTU.&percmp=RHCTG0250000466729)\n  - [Live AI events](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/events\/ai)\n  - [Inference explained](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/ai\/inference\/what-you-should-know-about-inference)\n  - [See our approach](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/artificial-intelligence)\n\n- ### Products\n  - [Red Hat AI Enterprise](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/products\/ai\/enterprise)\n  - 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Depending on your Linux distribution, you can accomplish these operations in various ways.\n\nThe [Bash shell](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/sysadmin\/bash-navigation) is usually the most efficient tool for file management. This article assumes you already have a basic understanding of how to open a Linux terminal and enter commands. (See [How to access the Linux terminal](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/sysadmin\/access-linux-terminal) if you want a refresher.) Connect to your Linux terminal with your regular user account, and get ready to reorganize.\n\nChange to your home directory and [create a new directory](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/node\/6007) named `mydir` for the exercises. The command to create a new directory is `mkdir`:\n```\n$ mkdir mydir\n$ cd mydir\/\n```\n## Move files and directories\nThe `mv` command moves both directories and files. Check its options and parameters from the `--help` results below:\n```\n$ mv --help\nUsage: mv [OPTION]... [-T] SOURCE DEST\n  or:  mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY\n  or:  mv [OPTION]... -t DIRECTORY SOURCE...\nRename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY.\n\nMandatory arguments to long options are mandatory for short options too.\n      --backup[=CONTROL]       make a backup of each existing destination file\n  -b                           like --backup but does not accept an argument\n  -f, --force                  do not prompt before overwriting\n  -i, --interactive            prompt before overwrite\n  -n, --no-clobber             do not overwrite an existing file\nIf you specify more than one of -i, -f, -n, only the final one takes effect.\n      --strip-trailing-slashes  remove any trailing slashes from each SOURCE\n                                 argument\n  -S, --suffix=SUFFIX          override the usual backup suffix\n  -t, --target-directory=DIRECTORY  move all SOURCE arguments into DIRECTORY\n  -T, --no-target-directory    treat DEST as a normal file\n  -u, --update                 move only when the SOURCE file is newer\n                                 than the destination file or when the\n                                 destination file is missing\n  -v, --verbose                explain what is being done\n  -Z, --context                set SELinux security context of destination\n                                 file to default type\n      --help     display this help and exit\n      --version  output version information and exit\n\nThe backup suffix is '~', unless set with --suffix or SIMPLE_BACKUP_SUFFIX.\nThe version control method may be selected via the --backup option or through\nthe VERSION_CONTROL environment variable.  Here are the values:\n\n  none, off       never make backups (even if --backup is given)\n  numbered, t     make numbered backups\n  existing, nil   numbered if numbered backups exist, simple otherwise\n  simple, never   always make simple backups\n```\n## Rename files and directories\nYou also use the `mv` command to rename directories and files if the destination doesn't already exist. If the destination exists, then they're moved using the syntax `mv {source} {destination}`. Here is an example of moving existing files to existing directories:\n```\n$ ls -l\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 14:57 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 17:52 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 17:52 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:31 file1\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:33 file2\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:33 file3\n\n$ mv file1 dir1\/\n\n$ mv file2 dir2\/\n\n$ mv file3 dir3\/\n\n$ ls -l\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n[mydir]$ ls -lR\n.:\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n\n.\/dir1:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:31 file1\n\n.\/dir2:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:33 file2\n\n.\/dir3:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:33 file3\n\n.\/dir4:\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:35 subdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:35 file4\n```\n***\\[ Boost your Bash skills. Download the [Bash shell scripting cheat sheet](https:\/\/developers.redhat.com\/cheat-sheets\/bash-shell-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \\]***\n\nAnd you can use the `mv` command to move directories into other directories:\n```\n$ ls -1\ndir1\ndir2\ndir3\ndir4\n\n$ mv dir1\/ dir2\/\n\n$ mv dir2\/ dir3\/\n\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\n```\nThe `dir1` and `dir2` directories still exist; you've just moved them. See what it looks like for yourself:\n```\n$ ls -R\ndir3\ndir4\n\n.\/dir3:\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2:\ndir1\nfile2\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4:\nsubdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\n```\n## Copy files and directories\nThe `cp` command copies both files and directories. This command has many options, but the basic syntax is simple. Run `cp {source} {destination}` to copy from one place (source) to another (destination). Consider the following example:\n```\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\n\n$ cp dir4\/subdir1\/file4 .\n\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\nfile4\n\n$ ls -R dir4\/\ndir4\/:\nsubdir1\n\ndir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\n```\n***\\[ Download the free [Linux commands cheat sheet](https:\/\/developers.redhat.com\/cheat-sheets\/linux-commands-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \\]***\n\nTo copy an entire directory with its contents, use the `-R` option, as seen below:\n```\n$ cp -R dir3\/ dir4\/\n\n$ ls -R\ndir3\ndir4\nfile4\n\n.\/dir3:\ntotal 0\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2:\ndir1\nfile2\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4:\ndir3\nsubdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3:\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3\/dir2:\nfile2\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\n```\nWhen you copy empty directories into other directories, there's no need for the `-R` parameter.\n\n## More to explore\nFor each command I've demonstrated, there are many more options I've left out for the sake of brevity.\n\nAs a sysadmin, you must know how to copy, move, and rename files and directories. These file-management commands are the basis of much of what you do on the system and are the building blocks for effective Linux administration. I hope this article aids you in understanding this topic, helps your Linux certification path, and adds to your general sysadmin knowledge.\n***\n### About the author\n[![Alexon Oliveira](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/rhdc\/managed-files\/styles\/media_thumbnail\/private\/sysadmin\/pictures\/2021-06\/alexon_headshot.png?itok=lYK_Y06n)](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/authors\/alexon-oliveira)\n\n[Alexon Oliveira](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/authors\/alexon-oliveira)\n\nAlexon has been working as a Senior Technical Account Manager at Red Hat since 2018, working in the Customer Success organization focusing on Infrastructure and Management, Integration and Automation, Cloud Computing, and Storage Solutions. He is a part of the TAM Practices LATAM team based in São Paulo, Brazil, where his job is partnering with, advocating, trust-advising, and supporting customers in their success goals while making use of the complete portfolio. He also contributes to produce and enhance documentation, knowledge-base articles, blog posts, presentations, webinars, and workshops. He is a member of numerous communities in addition to the Sudoers, like Red Hat Academy and Red Hat Accelerators. When he’s not at work, he enjoys spending quality time with his family (wife, daughter, and cat) and participating in several volunteer jobs.\n\n[Read full bio](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/authors\/alexon-oliveira)\n\n## More like this\nBlog post\n\n### [More than meets the eye: Behind the scenes of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 (Part 6)](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/blog\/more-meets-eye-behind-scenes-red-hat-enterprise-linux-10-part-6)\n\nBlog post\n\n### [Metrics that matter: How to prove the business value of DevEx](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/blog\/metrics-matter-how-prove-business-value-devex)\n\nOriginal podcast\n\n### [OS Wars\\_part 2: Rise of Linux \\| Command Line Heroes](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/command-line-heroes\/season-1\/os-wars-part-2-rise-of-linux)\n\nOriginal podcast\n\n### [Where Coders Code \\| Command Line Heroes](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/command-line-heroes\/season-5\/where-coders-code)\n\n## Browse by channel\n[Explore all 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Hat\nRed Hat is an open hybrid cloud technology leader, delivering a consistent, comprehensive foundation for transformative IT and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the enterprise. As a [trusted adviser to the Fortune 500](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/company), Red Hat offers cloud, developer, Linux, automation, and application platform technologies, as well as [award-winning](https:\/\/access.redhat.com\/recognition) services.\n\n- [Our company](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/company)\n- [How we work](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/our-culture)\n- [Customer success stories](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/success-stories)\n- [Analyst relations](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/analysts)\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/newsroom)\n- [Open source commitments](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/open-source)\n- [Our social impact](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/community-social-responsibility)\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/jobs)\n### Change page language\n### Red Hat legal and privacy links\n- [About Red Hat](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/company)\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/jobs)\n- [Events](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/events)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/office-locations)\n- [Contact Red Hat](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/contact)\n- [Red Hat Blog](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/blog)\n- [Inclusion at Red Hat](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/our-culture\/inclusion)\n- [Cool Stuff Store](https:\/\/coolstuff.redhat.com\/)\n- [Red Hat Summit](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/summit)\n\n© 2026 Red Hat\n\n### Red Hat legal and privacy links\n- [Privacy statement](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/privacy-policy)\n- [Terms of use](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/terms-use)\n- [All policies and guidelines](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/all-policies-guidelines)\n- [Digital accessibility](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/en\/about\/digital-accessibility)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Copying, moving, and renaming files and directories are standard tasks for sysadmins and end users. Depending on your Linux distribution, you can accomplish these operations in various ways.\n\nThe [Bash shell](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/sysadmin\/bash-navigation) is usually the most efficient tool for file management. This article assumes you already have a basic understanding of how to open a Linux terminal and enter commands. (See [How to access the Linux terminal](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/sysadmin\/access-linux-terminal) if you want a refresher.) Connect to your Linux terminal with your regular user account, and get ready to reorganize.\n\nChange to your home directory and [create a new directory](https:\/\/www.redhat.com\/node\/6007) named `mydir` for the exercises. The command to create a new directory is `mkdir`:\n```\n$ mkdir mydir\n$ cd mydir\/\n```\n## Move files and directories\nThe `mv` command moves both directories and files. Check its options and parameters from the `--help` results below:\n```\n$ mv --help\nUsage: mv [OPTION]... [-T] SOURCE DEST\n  or:  mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY\n  or:  mv [OPTION]... -t DIRECTORY SOURCE...\nRename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY.\n\nMandatory arguments to long options are mandatory for short options too.\n      --backup[=CONTROL]       make a backup of each existing destination file\n  -b                           like --backup but does not accept an argument\n  -f, --force                  do not prompt before overwriting\n  -i, --interactive            prompt before overwrite\n  -n, --no-clobber             do not overwrite an existing file\nIf you specify more than one of -i, -f, -n, only the final one takes effect.\n      --strip-trailing-slashes  remove any trailing slashes from each SOURCE\n                                 argument\n  -S, --suffix=SUFFIX          override the usual backup suffix\n  -t, --target-directory=DIRECTORY  move all SOURCE arguments into DIRECTORY\n  -T, --no-target-directory    treat DEST as a normal file\n  -u, --update                 move only when the SOURCE file is newer\n                                 than the destination file or when the\n                                 destination file is missing\n  -v, --verbose                explain what is being done\n  -Z, --context                set SELinux security context of destination\n                                 file to default type\n      --help     display this help and exit\n      --version  output version information and exit\n\nThe backup suffix is '~', unless set with --suffix or SIMPLE_BACKUP_SUFFIX.\nThe version control method may be selected via the --backup option or through\nthe VERSION_CONTROL environment variable.  Here are the values:\n\n  none, off       never make backups (even if --backup is given)\n  numbered, t     make numbered backups\n  existing, nil   numbered if numbered backups exist, simple otherwise\n  simple, never   always make simple backups\n```\n## Rename files and directories\nYou also use the `mv` command to rename directories and files if the destination doesn't already exist. If the destination exists, then they're moved using the syntax `mv {source} {destination}`. Here is an example of moving existing files to existing directories:\n```\n$ ls -l\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 14:57 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 17:52 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser  6 Jun  9 17:52 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:31 file1\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:33 file2\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser  0 Jun  9 17:33 file3\n\n$ mv file1 dir1\/\n\n$ mv file2 dir2\/\n\n$ mv file3 dir3\/\n\n$ ls -l\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n[mydir]$ ls -lR\n.:\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir1\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir2\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:53 dir3\ndrwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun  9 16:57 dir4\n\n.\/dir1:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:31 file1\n\n.\/dir2:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:33 file2\n\n.\/dir3:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:33 file3\n\n.\/dir4:\ntotal 0\ndrwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun  9 17:35 subdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\ntotal 0\n-rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun  9 17:35 file4\n```\n***\\[ Boost your Bash skills. Download the [Bash shell scripting cheat sheet](https:\/\/developers.redhat.com\/cheat-sheets\/bash-shell-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \\]***\n\nAnd you can use the `mv` command to move directories into other directories:\n```\n$ ls -1\ndir1\ndir2\ndir3\ndir4\n\n$ mv dir1\/ dir2\/\n\n$ mv dir2\/ dir3\/\n\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\n```\nThe `dir1` and `dir2` directories still exist; you've just moved them. See what it looks like for yourself:\n```\n$ ls -R\ndir3\ndir4\n\n.\/dir3:\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2:\ndir1\nfile2\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4:\nsubdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\n```\n## Copy files and directories\nThe `cp` command copies both files and directories. This command has many options, but the basic syntax is simple. Run `cp {source} {destination}` to copy from one place (source) to another (destination). Consider the following example:\n```\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\n\n$ cp dir4\/subdir1\/file4 .\n\n$ ls -1\ndir3\ndir4\nfile4\n\n$ ls -R dir4\/\ndir4\/:\nsubdir1\n\ndir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\n```\n***\\[ Download the free [Linux commands cheat sheet](https:\/\/developers.redhat.com\/cheat-sheets\/linux-commands-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \\]***\n\nTo copy an entire directory with its contents, use the `-R` option, as seen below:\n```\n$ cp -R dir3\/ dir4\/\n\n$ ls -R\ndir3\ndir4\nfile4\n\n.\/dir3:\ntotal 0\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2:\ndir1\nfile2\n\n.\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4:\ndir3\nsubdir1\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3:\ndir2\nfile3\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3\/dir2:\nfile2\n\n.\/dir4\/dir3\/dir2\/dir1:\nfile1\n\n.\/dir4\/subdir1:\nfile4\n```\nWhen you copy empty directories into other directories, there's no need for the `-R` parameter.\n\n## More to explore\nFor each command I've demonstrated, there are many more options I've left out for the sake of brevity.\n\nAs a sysadmin, you must know how to copy, move, and rename files and directories. These file-management commands are the basis of much of what you do on the system and are the building blocks for effective Linux administration. I hope this article aids you in understanding this topic, helps your Linux certification path, and adds to your general sysadmin knowledge.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Copying, moving, and renaming files and directories are standard tasks for sysadmins and end users. Depending on your Linux distribution, you can accomplish these operations in various ways. The Bash shell is usually the most efficient tool for file management. This article assumes you already have a basic understanding of how to open a Linux terminal and enter commands. (See How to access the Linux terminal if you want a refresher.) Connect to your Linux terminal with your regular user account, and get ready to reorganize. Change to your home directory and create a new directory named mydir for the exercises. The command to create a new directory is mkdir : $ mkdir mydir $ cd mydir/ Move files and directories The mv command moves both directories and files. Check its options and parameters from the --help results below: $ mv --help Usage: mv [OPTION]... [-T] SOURCE DEST or: mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY or: mv [OPTION]... -t DIRECTORY SOURCE... Rename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY. Mandatory arguments to long options are mandatory for short options too. --backup[=CONTROL] make a backup of each existing destination file -b like --backup but does not accept an argument -f, --force do not prompt before overwriting -i, --interactive prompt before overwrite -n, --no-clobber do not overwrite an existing file If you specify more than one of -i, -f, -n, only the final one takes effect. --strip-trailing-slashes remove any trailing slashes from each SOURCE argument -S, --suffix=SUFFIX override the usual backup suffix -t, --target-directory=DIRECTORY move all SOURCE arguments into DIRECTORY -T, --no-target-directory treat DEST as a normal file -u, --update move only when the SOURCE file is newer than the destination file or when the destination file is missing -v, --verbose explain what is being done -Z, --context set SELinux security context of destination file to default type --help display this help and exit --version output version information and exit The backup suffix is '~', unless set with --suffix or SIMPLE_BACKUP_SUFFIX. The version control method may be selected via the --backup option or through the VERSION_CONTROL environment variable. Here are the values: none, off never make backups (even if --backup is given) numbered, t make numbered backups existing, nil numbered if numbered backups exist, simple otherwise simple, never always make simple backups Rename files and directories You also use the mv command to rename directories and files if the destination doesn't already exist. If the destination exists, then they're moved using the syntax mv {source} {destination} . Here is an example of moving existing files to existing directories: $ ls -l total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 14:57 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 17:52 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 17:52 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:31 file1 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file2 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file3 $ mv file1 dir1/ $ mv file2 dir2/ $ mv file3 dir3/ $ ls -l total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 [mydir]$ ls -lR .: total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 ./dir1: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:31 file1 ./dir2: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file2 ./dir3: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file3 ./dir4: total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:35 subdir1 ./dir4/subdir1: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:35 file4 [ Boost your Bash skills. Download the Bash shell scripting cheat sheet . ] And you can use the mv command to move directories into other directories: $ ls -1 dir1 dir2 dir3 dir4 $ mv dir1/ dir2/ $ mv dir2/ dir3/ $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 The dir1 and dir2 directories still exist; you've just moved them. See what it looks like for yourself: $ ls -R dir3 dir4 ./dir3: dir2 file3 ./dir3/dir2: dir1 file2 ./dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4: subdir1 ./dir4/subdir1: file4 Copy files and directories The cp command copies both files and directories. This command has many options, but the basic syntax is simple. Run cp {source} {destination} to copy from one place (source) to another (destination). Consider the following example: $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 $ cp dir4/subdir1/file4 . $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 file4 $ ls -R dir4/ dir4/: subdir1 dir4/subdir1: file4 [ Download the free Linux commands cheat sheet . ] To copy an entire directory with its contents, use the -R option, as seen below: $ cp -R dir3/ dir4/ $ ls -R dir3 dir4 file4 ./dir3: total 0 dir2 file3 ./dir3/dir2: dir1 file2 ./dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4: dir3 subdir1 ./dir4/dir3: dir2 file3 ./dir4/dir3/dir2: file2 ./dir4/dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4/subdir1: file4 When you copy empty directories into other directories, there's no need for the -R parameter. More to explore For each command I've demonstrated, there are many more options I've left out for the sake of brevity. As a sysadmin, you must know how to copy, move, and rename files and directories. These file-management commands are the basis of much of what you do on the system and are the building blocks for effective Linux administration. I hope this article aids you in understanding this topic, helps your Linux certification path, and adds to your general sysadmin knowledge.
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Depending on your Linux distribution, you can accomplish these operations in various ways. The [Bash shell](https://www.redhat.com/sysadmin/bash-navigation) is usually the most efficient tool for file management. This article assumes you already have a basic understanding of how to open a Linux terminal and enter commands. (See [How to access the Linux terminal](https://www.redhat.com/sysadmin/access-linux-terminal) if you want a refresher.) Connect to your Linux terminal with your regular user account, and get ready to reorganize. Change to your home directory and [create a new directory](https://www.redhat.com/node/6007) named `mydir` for the exercises. The command to create a new directory is `mkdir`: ``` $ mkdir mydir $ cd mydir/ ``` ## Move files and directories The `mv` command moves both directories and files. Check its options and parameters from the `--help` results below: ``` $ mv --help Usage: mv [OPTION]... [-T] SOURCE DEST or: mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY or: mv [OPTION]... -t DIRECTORY SOURCE... Rename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY. Mandatory arguments to long options are mandatory for short options too. --backup[=CONTROL] make a backup of each existing destination file -b like --backup but does not accept an argument -f, --force do not prompt before overwriting -i, --interactive prompt before overwrite -n, --no-clobber do not overwrite an existing file If you specify more than one of -i, -f, -n, only the final one takes effect. --strip-trailing-slashes remove any trailing slashes from each SOURCE argument -S, --suffix=SUFFIX override the usual backup suffix -t, --target-directory=DIRECTORY move all SOURCE arguments into DIRECTORY -T, --no-target-directory treat DEST as a normal file -u, --update move only when the SOURCE file is newer than the destination file or when the destination file is missing -v, --verbose explain what is being done -Z, --context set SELinux security context of destination file to default type --help display this help and exit --version output version information and exit The backup suffix is '~', unless set with --suffix or SIMPLE_BACKUP_SUFFIX. The version control method may be selected via the --backup option or through the VERSION_CONTROL environment variable. Here are the values: none, off never make backups (even if --backup is given) numbered, t make numbered backups existing, nil numbered if numbered backups exist, simple otherwise simple, never always make simple backups ``` ## Rename files and directories You also use the `mv` command to rename directories and files if the destination doesn't already exist. If the destination exists, then they're moved using the syntax `mv {source} {destination}`. Here is an example of moving existing files to existing directories: ``` $ ls -l total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 14:57 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 17:52 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 17:52 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:31 file1 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file2 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file3 $ mv file1 dir1/ $ mv file2 dir2/ $ mv file3 dir3/ $ ls -l total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 [mydir]$ ls -lR .: total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 ./dir1: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:31 file1 ./dir2: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file2 ./dir3: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file3 ./dir4: total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:35 subdir1 ./dir4/subdir1: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:35 file4 ``` \[ Boost your Bash skills. Download the [Bash shell scripting cheat sheet](https://developers.redhat.com/cheat-sheets/bash-shell-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \] And you can use the `mv` command to move directories into other directories: ``` $ ls -1 dir1 dir2 dir3 dir4 $ mv dir1/ dir2/ $ mv dir2/ dir3/ $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 ``` The `dir1` and `dir2` directories still exist; you've just moved them. See what it looks like for yourself: ``` $ ls -R dir3 dir4 ./dir3: dir2 file3 ./dir3/dir2: dir1 file2 ./dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4: subdir1 ./dir4/subdir1: file4 ``` ## Copy files and directories The `cp` command copies both files and directories. This command has many options, but the basic syntax is simple. Run `cp {source} {destination}` to copy from one place (source) to another (destination). Consider the following example: ``` $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 $ cp dir4/subdir1/file4 . $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 file4 $ ls -R dir4/ dir4/: subdir1 dir4/subdir1: file4 ``` \[ Download the free [Linux commands cheat sheet](https://developers.redhat.com/cheat-sheets/linux-commands-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \] To copy an entire directory with its contents, use the `-R` option, as seen below: ``` $ cp -R dir3/ dir4/ $ ls -R dir3 dir4 file4 ./dir3: total 0 dir2 file3 ./dir3/dir2: dir1 file2 ./dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4: dir3 subdir1 ./dir4/dir3: dir2 file3 ./dir4/dir3/dir2: file2 ./dir4/dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4/subdir1: file4 ``` When you copy empty directories into other directories, there's no need for the `-R` parameter. ## More to explore For each command I've demonstrated, there are many more options I've left out for the sake of brevity. As a sysadmin, you must know how to copy, move, and rename files and directories. These file-management commands are the basis of much of what you do on the system and are the building blocks for effective Linux administration. I hope this article aids you in understanding this topic, helps your Linux certification path, and adds to your general sysadmin knowledge. * ### About the author [![Alexon Oliveira](https://www.redhat.com/rhdc/managed-files/styles/media_thumbnail/private/sysadmin/pictures/2021-06/alexon_headshot.png?itok=lYK_Y06n)](https://www.redhat.com/en/authors/alexon-oliveira) [Alexon Oliveira](https://www.redhat.com/en/authors/alexon-oliveira) Alexon has been working as a Senior Technical Account Manager at Red Hat since 2018, working in the Customer Success organization focusing on Infrastructure and Management, Integration and Automation, Cloud Computing, and Storage Solutions. He is a part of the TAM Practices LATAM team based in São Paulo, Brazil, where his job is partnering with, advocating, trust-advising, and supporting customers in their success goals while making use of the complete portfolio. He also contributes to produce and enhance documentation, knowledge-base articles, blog posts, presentations, webinars, and workshops. He is a member of numerous communities in addition to the Sudoers, like Red Hat Academy and Red Hat Accelerators. When he’s not at work, he enjoys spending quality time with his family (wife, daughter, and cat) and participating in several volunteer jobs. 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Readable Markdown	Copying, moving, and renaming files and directories are standard tasks for sysadmins and end users. Depending on your Linux distribution, you can accomplish these operations in various ways. The [Bash shell](https://www.redhat.com/sysadmin/bash-navigation) is usually the most efficient tool for file management. This article assumes you already have a basic understanding of how to open a Linux terminal and enter commands. (See [How to access the Linux terminal](https://www.redhat.com/sysadmin/access-linux-terminal) if you want a refresher.) Connect to your Linux terminal with your regular user account, and get ready to reorganize. Change to your home directory and [create a new directory](https://www.redhat.com/node/6007) named `mydir` for the exercises. The command to create a new directory is `mkdir`: ``` $ mkdir mydir $ cd mydir/ ``` ## Move files and directories The `mv` command moves both directories and files. Check its options and parameters from the `--help` results below: ``` $ mv --help Usage: mv [OPTION]... [-T] SOURCE DEST or: mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY or: mv [OPTION]... -t DIRECTORY SOURCE... Rename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY. Mandatory arguments to long options are mandatory for short options too. --backup[=CONTROL] make a backup of each existing destination file -b like --backup but does not accept an argument -f, --force do not prompt before overwriting -i, --interactive prompt before overwrite -n, --no-clobber do not overwrite an existing file If you specify more than one of -i, -f, -n, only the final one takes effect. --strip-trailing-slashes remove any trailing slashes from each SOURCE argument -S, --suffix=SUFFIX override the usual backup suffix -t, --target-directory=DIRECTORY move all SOURCE arguments into DIRECTORY -T, --no-target-directory treat DEST as a normal file -u, --update move only when the SOURCE file is newer than the destination file or when the destination file is missing -v, --verbose explain what is being done -Z, --context set SELinux security context of destination file to default type --help display this help and exit --version output version information and exit The backup suffix is '~', unless set with --suffix or SIMPLE_BACKUP_SUFFIX. The version control method may be selected via the --backup option or through the VERSION_CONTROL environment variable. Here are the values: none, off never make backups (even if --backup is given) numbered, t make numbered backups existing, nil numbered if numbered backups exist, simple otherwise simple, never always make simple backups ``` ## Rename files and directories You also use the `mv` command to rename directories and files if the destination doesn't already exist. If the destination exists, then they're moved using the syntax `mv {source} {destination}`. Here is an example of moving existing files to existing directories: ``` $ ls -l total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 14:57 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 17:52 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 6 Jun 9 17:52 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:31 file1 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file2 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file3 $ mv file1 dir1/ $ mv file2 dir2/ $ mv file3 dir3/ $ ls -l total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 [mydir]$ ls -lR .: total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir1 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir2 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:53 dir3 drwxrwxr-x. 3 localuser localuser 21 Jun 9 16:57 dir4 ./dir1: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:31 file1 ./dir2: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file2 ./dir3: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:33 file3 ./dir4: total 0 drwxrwxr-x. 2 localuser localuser 19 Jun 9 17:35 subdir1 ./dir4/subdir1: total 0 -rw-rw-r--. 1 localuser localuser 0 Jun 9 17:35 file4 ``` *\[ Boost your Bash skills. Download the [Bash shell scripting cheat sheet](https://developers.redhat.com/cheat-sheets/bash-shell-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \]* And you can use the `mv` command to move directories into other directories: ``` $ ls -1 dir1 dir2 dir3 dir4 $ mv dir1/ dir2/ $ mv dir2/ dir3/ $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 ``` The `dir1` and `dir2` directories still exist; you've just moved them. See what it looks like for yourself: ``` $ ls -R dir3 dir4 ./dir3: dir2 file3 ./dir3/dir2: dir1 file2 ./dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4: subdir1 ./dir4/subdir1: file4 ``` ## Copy files and directories The `cp` command copies both files and directories. This command has many options, but the basic syntax is simple. Run `cp {source} {destination}` to copy from one place (source) to another (destination). Consider the following example: ``` $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 $ cp dir4/subdir1/file4 . $ ls -1 dir3 dir4 file4 $ ls -R dir4/ dir4/: subdir1 dir4/subdir1: file4 ``` *\[ Download the free [Linux commands cheat sheet](https://developers.redhat.com/cheat-sheets/linux-commands-cheat-sheet?intcmp=701f20000012ngPAAQ). \]* To copy an entire directory with its contents, use the `-R` option, as seen below: ``` $ cp -R dir3/ dir4/ $ ls -R dir3 dir4 file4 ./dir3: total 0 dir2 file3 ./dir3/dir2: dir1 file2 ./dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4: dir3 subdir1 ./dir4/dir3: dir2 file3 ./dir4/dir3/dir2: file2 ./dir4/dir3/dir2/dir1: file1 ./dir4/subdir1: file4 ``` When you copy empty directories into other directories, there's no need for the `-R` parameter. ## More to explore For each command I've demonstrated, there are many more options I've left out for the sake of brevity. As a sysadmin, you must know how to copy, move, and rename files and directories. These file-management commands are the basis of much of what you do on the system and are the building blocks for effective Linux administration. I hope this article aids you in understanding this topic, helps your Linux certification path, and adds to your general sysadmin knowledge.
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