cp Command Guide for Copying Files and Directories

This guide helps you understand and use the cp (copy) command, which allows you to duplicate files and directories within a Unix-like file system.

What is cp, and Why Use It?

The cp command is used to copy files or folders from one location to another. It’s a fundamental tool when you want to:

• Back up a file before modifying it
• Duplicate a configuration or script
• Copy data from one directory or disk to another

Why Learn cp?

• Efficient backups: Quickly save a copy of critical files.
• Non-destructive: Unlike mv, cp leaves the original intact.
• Supports options for safety: Like asking before overwriting.

You’ll frequently use cp when working with system files, scripts, or when preparing deployment directories.

1. Copy a File

cp source.txt destination.txt

• Duplicates source.txt as destination.txt in the same or different location.

2. Copy into a Directory

cp source.txt /path/to/directory/

• Copies source.txt into the specified folder.

3. Copy Multiple Files into a Directory

cp file1.txt file2.txt /target/folder/

• All listed files will be copied into the given folder.

4. Copy a Directory (Recursively)

cp -r my_folder/ /target/location/

• -r or --recursive lets you copy a whole folder, including its contents and subfolders.

5. Prompt Before Overwriting

cp -i file.txt /path/

• -i (interactive) asks you before replacing an existing file at the destination.

6. Preserve Timestamps and Permissions

cp -p file.txt /path/

• -p keeps the original file’s modification time, access time, and mode (permissions).

7. Verbose Mode (Show What’s Happening)

cp -v file.txt /path/

• -v (verbose) prints each file copied — useful for confirming what’s happening.

Copy Cheatsheet