Command: cp

Use

cp source.txt copy.txt

What It Does

cp copies files or directory trees.

Common Forms

Copy one file:

cp ~/src/pages/index.md ~/playground/index.backup.md

Copy into a directory:

cp notes.md ~/playground/

Copy a directory tree recursively:

cp -r ~/src/pages ~/playground/pages-backup

Prompt before overwriting:

cp -i source.txt target.txt

Watch Out

cp can overwrite existing files. Use cp -i when practicing. Use cp -r only when you intend to copy a directory tree.

Docs Pointers

• Run man cp.
• Read file, directory, and path.