Copying files under Linux is similar to copying files under DOS. Here's an example using the cp (copy) command:
The first example copies the goulash file from the current directory and stores it in your recipes/hungarian directory. The second example creates a file called stuff.bak in the current directory that is identical to the source file stuff.
Note: The cp command will overwrite files with the same name without warning. To be prompted before overwriting, use the -i flag, like so:
$ cp -i goulash recipes/hungarian
cp: overwrite recipes/hungarian/goulash (y/n)?
Renaming Files
Use the mv command to rename a file or move it to another directory, like so:
$ mv stuff junk
$ mv junk trashcan
The first example renames the file stuff as junk, and the second moves the file junk into a directory called trashcan.
Note: The mv command will wipe out files without warning. To be prompted before overwriting, use the -i flag, like so:
$ mv -i stuff junk
mv: overwrite junk (y/n)?
Previous Lesson: Displaying Linux Files
Next Lesson: Creating Files and Directories
Comments (most recent first)
kasi (18 Aug 2010, 06:51)
it is very very useful doctor.....
Bob Rankin (23 Jul 2010, 08:42)
@loge - No way that I know of, sorry.
loge (23 Jul 2010, 07:27)
is it possible to get the old name of the file after renaming it in linux
supem00b (01 Jun 2010, 22:10)
@ben
You spent two hours trying to copy files? Perhaps you should be skiing or playing football. That's funner... EPIC LULZ!
ben (01 May 2010, 21:55)
i spent two hours trying to copy my files and nothing i give up back to
good old windows 7 4 me
bash_noob (25 Apr 2010, 00:34)
also as specified in "Deleting Files and Directories" section use it
cautiously....
bash_noob (24 Apr 2010, 23:40)
@ja
use the r switch it also works with most other file-only commands
Bob Rankin (23 Apr 2010, 07:08)
@hm - Simple typo. You either typed "linus" instead of "linux" or "dara"
instead of "data".
h m (22 Apr 2010, 22:19)
I'm trying to copy "/usr/local/linuxgym-data/vimdata/wordlist.txt FILE into
the ch2-vim DIRECTORY.
I type: cp /usr/local/linuxgym-dara/vimdata/wordlist.txt ch2-vim and error shows up saying cp: cannot stat `/usr/local/linusgym-data/vimdata/wordlist.txt': No such file or directory what could be wrong?
jay (20 Apr 2010, 20:22)
rem to state the entire directory listing for destination. e.g. mv
index.html /home/www
ja (08 Apr 2010, 00:16)
why i cant copy a folder into a folder too?? the errors said:
omitting directory.
ja (08 Apr 2010, 00:12)
Why i cant copy my file to the other folder??
i just type: cp ja Desktop/folder1
ghost (06 Apr 2010, 07:57)
To use the same name for a file as for an already existing directory (sort
of), I would first give the file an extension to distinguish between the
two.
eg. you have a file called 'stuff' and want to rename it 'junk' to put into the folder 'junk'. 1.) mv stuff junk.bak 2.) cp junk.bak junk *I guess*
Bob Rankin (13 Mar 2010, 08:47)
You can't have a file and a directory with the same name.
RickRasta (12 Mar 2010, 03:23)
How would you rename a file with the same name as a directory?
Bob Rankin (01 Mar 2010, 06:43)
If trashcan did not exist as a directory, it *would* rename junk.
Dennis (01 Mar 2010, 03:36)
$ mv stuff junk
$ mv junk trashcan How the system knows not to rename "junk" with name "trashcan",as it does in first case, but to move it in directory.
Bob Rankin (22 Feb 2010, 05:27)
What is the exact command you are entering?
m3m3 (20 Feb 2010, 05:29)
I checked that & it was there.
Is there any other error I could have done?? is there any other thing I must consider??
Bob Rankin (19 Feb 2010, 10:32)
Perhaps the target folder does not exist?
m3m3 (19 Feb 2010, 09:40)
I used the steps below but I dont seem to manage to work it out , I get
this message" no such file or directory" & the file is right infron of my
eyes!!
do I have to change the directory to somewhere else??
sheemul (08 Feb 2010, 05:03)
Excellent !!
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