cp Command: Copy Files and Directories in Linux

cp command

The cp command, short for “copy,” is the main Linux utility for duplicating files and directories. Whether making a backup, organizing a project, or moving content, cp allows smooth transfers and ensures the original remains unchanged.

Syntax of cp Command

To use cp, provide at least two arguments: a source and a target.

cp [source_file] [destination]

If you specify a directory as the destination, the file is copied into that directory.

Why Use the cp Command?

Protect your data with backups.
Distribute files across different locations or drives.
Safeguard originals before editing.
Clone entire directory structures for new projects.

How to Use cp: Modes and Examples

1. Copy A File to Another File

cp report.md backup_report.md

If backup_report.md doesn’t exist, it gets created. If it exists, the old content is lost, replaced by the new copy.

2. Copy Multiple Files to a Folder

cp intro.txt summary.txt notes.txt /archive/

All three files now appear in the /archive folder. If the directory doesn’t exist, cp creates it and fills it with the specified files (as long as you have permissions).

3. Copy Directories (Recursively)

cp -R projectX/ backup_projectX/

The -R flag makes cp copy the entire directory, including subfolders and files, preserving structure.

Useful cp Options

Option	Description	Example
-i	Prompt before overwriting existing files	cp -i notes.txt /archive/
-n	Don’t overwrite existing files in the destination	cp -n report.md /archive/
-r, -R	Copy directories and their contents recursively	cp -r images/ backup_images/
-v	Show progress and copied files	cp -v *.pdf /backup/
-p	Preserve original file attributes (timestamps, permissions, etc.)	cp -p config.yaml /backup/
-u	Only copy if source file is newer or missing in destination	cp -u draft.txt /docs/
-f	Force overwrite by removing destination file if needed	cp -f log.csv results/
-a	Archive mode: preserve structure and metadata, copy recursively	cp -a mydir/ copydir/

Wildcards for Quick Copying

Easily move groups of files by pattern:

cp *.jpg dummy_photos/

Copies all .jpg files to the dummy_photos folder.

Back Up With the –backup Option

Instead of overwriting, create a backup copy:

cp --backup report.md /archive/

If a file with the same name exists at the destination, a backup gets created.

Conclusion

Mastering the cp command helps you protect, organize, and move data efficiently on any Linux system. Understanding its options keeps your work safe and saves time especially when handling critical system or project files.