Overview of cp
The `cp` command creates copies of original files or directories at the same or different location without altering the originals. It is crucial in scenarios such as data backup, file reorganization, or setting up development environments.
Main Functions of cp
The `cp` command is primarily used for the following purposes:
Key Use Cases
- File Backup: Copies important files under a different name or location to protect the original.
- File Reuse: Uses an existing file as a template to create a new one.
- Replicating Directory Structures: Copies specific directories and their contents to create an identical structure.
- Shell Scripts: Used in automated tasks for file distribution or configuration file copying.
Key cp Command Options
The `cp` command offers various options for fine-tuning how copying is performed. These are especially useful for copying directories or overwriting existing files.
1. Basic Copy Options
2. Overwrite and Prompt Options
3. Other Useful Options
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Usage Examples
Learn how to effectively copy and manage files and directories with various examples of using the `cp` command.
Copy File with New Name in Current Directory
cp document.txt document_backup.txtCopies `document.txt` as `document_backup.txt` in the current directory.
Copy File to Another Directory
sudo cp config.conf /etc/apache2/Copies `config.conf` to the `/etc/apache2/` directory. The original filename is retained.
Copy Directory and All Contents
cp -r my_project /backup/Copies the `my_project` directory and all files/subdirectories inside it to the `/backup/` directory.
Backup with Attribute Preservation and Verbose Output
cp -av my_data /archives/Copies the `my_data` directory to `/archives/` preserving attributes and printing copied files.
Prompt Before Overwriting a File
cp -i new_config.conf old_config.confWhen copying `new_config.conf` to `old_config.conf`, prompts if `old_config.conf` exists.
Copy Multiple Files to One Directory
cp file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt /documents/Copies `file1.txt`, `file2.txt`, and `file3.txt` to the `/documents/` directory in one go.