cp stands for copy. This command is used to copy files or directories. cp command require at least two filenames in its arguments.
Syntax
cp [OPTION] SourcePath DestinationPath
Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -a | archive files |
| -f | force copy by removing/overriding the destination file (if already present) |
| -i | interactive mode override (asks before overwrite) |
| -l | linkes the files instead copy |
| -L | follows symbolic links |
| -n | no file overwrite, if destination file already exists |
| -R | recursive copy (this includes hidden files) |
| -u | update mode i.e copy only when source is newer than dest |
| -v | verbose mode i.e prints more information |
Example
$ cp file1.txt file2.txt
$ ls
file1.txt file2.txt