cp

Copy files and directories

TLDR

Copy a file to another location

$ cp [path/to/source_file.ext] [path/to/target_file.ext]

Copy a file into another directory, keeping the filename

$ cp [path/to/source_file.ext] [path/to/target_parent_directory]

Recursively copy a directory's contents to another location (if the destination exists, the directory is copied inside it)

$ cp [[-r|--recursive]] [path/to/source_directory] [path/to/target_directory]

Copy a directory recursively, in verbose mode (shows files as they are copied)

$ cp [[-vr|--verbose --recursive]] [path/to/source_directory] [path/to/target_directory]

Copy multiple files at once to a directory

$ cp [[-t|--target-directory]] [path/to/destination_directory] [path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...]

Copy all files with a specific extension to another location, in interactive mode (prompts user before overwriting)

$ cp [[-i|--interactive]] [*.ext] [path/to/target_directory]

Follow symbolic links before copying

$ cp [[-L|--dereference]] [link] [path/to/target_directory]

Use the full path of source files, creating any missing intermediate directories when copying

$ cp --parents [source/path/to/file] [path/to/target_file]

SYNOPSIS

cp [OPTION]... SOURCE DEST
cp [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY
cp [OPTION]... -t DIRECTORY SOURCE...

--archive, -a
    Equivalent to -dR --preserve=all. Copies recursively, preserving symbolic links, permissions, ownership, timestamps, and context. Ideal for backups.

--force, -f
    If an existing destination file cannot be opened, remove it and try again. Overrides -i and -n.

--interactive, -i
    Prompt before overwriting an existing destination file.

--link, -l
    Make hard links instead of copying files. This means the new 'copy' will point to the same inode as the original.

--recursive, -r, -R
    Copy directories and their contents recursively. Essential for copying folders and all their subdirectories and files.

--symbolic-link, -s
    Make symbolic links instead of copying files. Note: this command creates a symbolic link to the source, not a copy of the source content.

--update, -u
    Copy only when the SOURCE file is newer than the destination file or when the destination file does not exist. Useful for incremental backups.

--verbose, -v
    Explain what is being done. Shows the names of files being copied.

--preserve[=ATTR_LIST], -p
    Preserve specified attributes (e.g., mode, ownership, timestamps, context, xattr, links, all). -p is equivalent to --preserve=mode,ownership,timestamps.

DESCRIPTION

The cp command, short for copy, is a fundamental Linux utility used to duplicate files and directories. It creates an exact replica of the specified source file or directory at a new location or with a new name. This command is essential for backing up data, creating working copies, or moving files to different locations while retaining the original. cp handles various scenarios, from simple file-to-file copies to copying multiple files into a directory, and even recursively copying entire directory structures, preserving permissions, timestamps, and ownership if desired. It's a versatile tool for managing file systems efficiently.

CAVEATS

Permissions: cp requires read permission on the source and write permission on the destination directory. Destination files might inherit permissions from the umask or destination directory, unless explicitly preserved.
Disk Space: Copying large files or directories consumes significant disk space at the destination. Ensure sufficient free space before operation.
Overwriting: By default, cp can overwrite existing files without warning if you have write permission. Use -i for interactive prompts or -n (no clobber) to prevent accidental overwriting.
Symbolic Links: By default, cp copies the file pointed to by a symbolic link. Use -P to copy the symbolic link itself (creating a new link at the destination), or -L to always follow symbolic links. -a (archive mode) implies -P for preserving symbolic links.
Atomicity: cp operations are generally not atomic for multiple files or large directory structures, meaning a power failure or crash during a copy could leave partially copied or corrupted data.

COPYING A FILE TO A DIRECTORY

When the destination is an existing directory, cp places a copy of the source file inside that directory, retaining its original name.
Example: cp myfile.txt /home/user/documents/

COPYING MULTIPLE FILES

You can copy multiple source files to a single destination directory. The last argument must be the target directory.
Example: cp file1.txt file2.txt /home/user/backup/

COPYING DIRECTORIES RECURSIVELY

To copy an entire directory structure, including all subdirectories and files, use the -r or -R option. For a more robust recursive copy that preserves attributes (like permissions, timestamps, and symbolic links), use -a (archive mode).
Example: cp -r mydir /new/location/

HISTORY

The cp command is a standard utility included in virtually all Unix-like operating systems. It is a fundamental component of the GNU Coreutils package, which provides essential tools for file, shell, and text manipulation on GNU/Linux systems. Its core functionality for duplicating files and directories has remained consistent over decades, serving as a basic building block for shell scripting and system administration. Continuous development ensures compatibility with modern file systems and improved handling of advanced features like extended attributes and sparse files.

cp