The cp command

The cp command copies files. Here's the basic syntax:

cp [options] source-file destination-file

The following list describes the more important options for the ls command:

-a: The same as -dpR.
-b: Makes backup copies of existing files before they're overwritten. Sounds like a good plan to me.
-d: Copies links rather than the files the links point to.
-f: Removes files that will be overwritten.
-i: Interactively prompts for each file to be overwritten.
-l: Creates links to files rather than actually copying file contents.
-p: Preserves ownership and permissions.
-R: Copies the contents of subdirectories recursively.
-s: Creates symbolic links to files rather than actually copying file contents.
-u: Replaces destination files only if the source file is newer.

To make a copy of a file within the same directory, use cp like this:

$ cp sendmail.cf sendmail.cf.backup

If you want to copy a file to another directory without changing the filename, use cp like this:

$ cp sendmail.cf /home/doug

You can use wildcards to copy multiple files:

$ cp send* /home/doug

To include files in subdirectories of the source file, use the -R switch, like this:

$ cp -R /etc/*.cf /home/doug

In this example, all files in the /etc directory or any of its subdirectories that end with .cf are copied to /home/doug.

In this tutorial: