Files & folders

Linux cp command

Copy files. Add -r when copying a directory and its contents.

Availability: Common Linux commands; shell built-ins and external implementations may differ by distribution.中文

Syntax

cp [OPTION]... SOURCE... DESTINATION

Examples

Copy a file and ask before overwriting.

cp -i report.txt ./archive/

Copy a directory tree while preserving attributes.

cp -a project/ backup/project/

Parameters, options and clauses

Option / clause	Description
`-a, --archive`	Preserve attributes and copy recursively; equivalent to -dR --preserve=all.
`-r, -R, --recursive`	Copy directories recursively.
`-i, --interactive`	Prompt before overwriting a destination.
`-n, --no-clobber`	Do not overwrite an existing destination.
`-u, --update`	Copy when the source is newer or destination is missing.
`-p, --preserve=mode,ownership,timestamps`	Preserve selected file attributes.
`-v, --verbose`	Explain what is being copied.

Safety note

Review a command and its target before running it. Commands that alter files, services, accounts, disks, permissions or databases may be difficult to reverse. Test in a safe environment and keep backups.

Official reference ↗Back to directory