Linux for Beginners Lesson 8: Copying Files with cp #linux #opensource

In this lesson, we will explore how to copy files in a Linux environment using the cp command. The cp command is a fundamental tool for file management, allowing you to duplicate files from one location to another. The cp command is used to create a copy of a file. The basic syntax is:

cp source destination

This command copies a file from the source location to the destination location. The source is the path to the file you want to copy, and the destination is where you want the copy to be placed. If the destination is a directory, the copied file will retain its original name unless specified otherwise.

Practical Use Cases:
- Creating Backups: Before modifying a file, you can use cp to create a backup copy, ensuring you have the original version saved.
- Duplicating Files: Easily make copies of files to share, modify, or organize them into different directories.

Important Options:
-r (Recursive): When copying directories, use the -r option (e.g., cp -r sourcedir destinationdir) to copy all files and subdirectories within the source directory.
-i (Interactive): The -i option prompts you before overwriting any existing files in the destination, adding a layer of safety.

By mastering the cp command, you’ll gain the ability to efficiently manage your files, whether you're backing up important data, organizing your workspace, or sharing files across different directories.