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