Linux Commands | File Management | cp Copy Files/Directories
cp
cp is a command used to copy files or directories.
cp is short for “copy”.
cp Syntax
cp (options) [source file path/name (multiple allowed)] [destination path/name]
cp Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
-r |
Copies all subdirectories and files under the target path. |
-p |
Preserves the owner, group, permissions, and timestamps of the source file. |
If a file with the same name already exists at the destination, a prompt appears asking whether to overwrite it.
cp Examples
Copy multiple files to the /backup directory
cp /etc/inittab /etc/passwd /boot/grub/grub.conf /backup
Copy the /etc/skel directory to the /backup directory
cp -r /etc/skel /backup
Copy while preserving source file permissions
cp -p /etc/passwd /backup
Copy the /etc/inittab file to /backup with the name init
cp /etc/inittab /backup/init