Cheat Sheet #day47

`cp` Command Cheatsheet

The cp command in Unix/Linux is used to copy files and directories. It stands for "copy" and can be utilized for various file management tasks. Below are the basic and advanced usages of the cp command along with practical examples.

Basic Usage

Copy a file to another directory

  cp source_file /destination/directory/

Copy and rename a file

  cp source_file /destination/directory/new_filename

Common Options

Interactive mode (prompt before overwrite)

  cp -i source_file /destination/directory/

Force copy without prompting

  cp -f source_file /destination/directory/

Verbose mode (show what is being done)

  cp -v source_file /destination/directory/

Recursive copy (copy directories and their contents)

  cp -r source_directory /destination/directory/

Preserve file attributes (ownership, timestamps, etc.)
```
  cp -p source_file /destination/directory/
```

Update only if the source file is newer

  cp -u source_file /destination/directory/

Create hard links instead of copying

  cp -l source_file /destination/directory/

Create symbolic links instead of copying

  cp -s source_file /destination/directory/

Examples

Copy a single file
```
  cp file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```

Copy and rename a file

  cp file.txt /home/user/Documents/new_file.txt

Copy multiple files to a directory

  cp file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt /home/user/Documents/

Copy a directory recursively

  cp -r /home/user/Downloads /home/user/Documents/

Interactive copy (prompt before overwrite)
```
  cp -i file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Verbose copy
```
  cp -v file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```

Advanced Usage

Copy all files with a specific extension
```
  cp *.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Copy files using a wildcard and rename
```
  cp *2023.log /home/user/Logs/
```
Copy and overwrite only if the source file is newer
```
  cp -u file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Preserve file attributes during copy
```
  cp -p file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Create a hard link to a file
```
  cp -l file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Create a symbolic link to a file
```
  cp -s file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```

Practical Tips

Safety First: Use the -i option to prevent accidental overwrites.
Preserve Attributes: Use the -p option to maintain file attributes.
Verbose Mode: Use -v to see exactly what cp is doing, useful for debugging scripts.
Recursive Copy: Always use -r when copying directories to ensure all contents are copied.

Quick Reference

Copy a file:

  cp source_file /destination/directory/

Copy and rename a file:

  cp source_file /destination/directory/new_filename

Interactive mode:

  cp -i source_file /destination/directory/

Force copy:

  cp -f source_file /destination/directory/

Verbose mode:

  cp -v source_file /destination/directory/

Recursive copy:

  cp -r source_directory /destination/directory/

Preserve file attributes:

  cp -p source_file /destination/directory/

Update only if newer:

  cp -u source_file /destination/directory/

Create hard link:

  cp -l source_file /destination/directory/

Create symbolic link:

  cp -s source_file /destination/directory/

This cheatsheet covers the essential commands and options for using cp effectively, from basic file copies to more advanced file management tasks. Adjust the commands according to your specific requirements and environment.

Cheat Sheet #day47 - cp

cp Command Cheatsheet