File and Folder Operations

cp

Copies files and directories.

cp duplicates files. Copying directories requires -r or -a, and preserving metadata is important for backups.

Syntax
cp [options] source... destination

Arguments explained

  • source is what to copy.
  • destination is the target path.
  • -r copies directories recursively.
  • -a preserves mode, ownership, timestamps, and symlinks as much as possible.
  • -i asks before overwriting.

Common examples

Copy one file
cp report.txt report-backup.txt

Creates a separate backup copy.

Copy a directory as an archive-style copy
cp -a ~/documents /mnt/backup/

Preserves metadata better than a plain recursive copy.

cp Command
FieldDetails
Commandcp
CategoryFile and Folder Operations
Primary useCopies files and directories.
Syntaxcp [options] source... destination