File Operations in Linux

Overview

Managing files is one of the most common tasks in Linux! Whether you're creating documents, organizing directories, or cleaning up old files, these commands are essential to your daily workflow.

Key Commands

Creating Files

touch filename.txt

Creates an empty file. If the file already exists, it updates the timestamp.

Examples:
touch notes.txt
touch file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt
You can create multiple files at once!

Copying Files

cp source.txt destination.txt

Copies a file from one location to another.

Options:

  • -r - Copy directories recursively
  • -i - Interactive mode (asks before overwriting)
  • -v - Verbose (shows what's being copied)
Examples:
cp document.txt backup.txt
cp -r folder1/ folder2/
Use -r to copy entire directories

Moving/Renaming Files

mv oldname.txt newname.txt

Moves or renames files and directories. Moving to the same directory = renaming!

Examples:
mv old.txt new.txt (rename)
mv file.txt /home/user/Documents/ (move)
No -r needed - mv works on directories too!

Deleting Files

rm filename.txt

Removes (deletes) files. This is permanent - no trash bin!

Options:

  • -r - Remove directories and their contents
  • -f - Force removal without prompting
  • -i - Interactive (asks for confirmation)
Examples:
rm oldfile.txt
rm -r oldfolder/
rm -i important.txt
Always be careful with rm!

Creating Directories

mkdir directoryname

Creates a new directory (folder).

Options:

  • -p - Creates parent directories as needed
Examples:
mkdir Projects
mkdir -p Documents/Work/Reports
-p creates the whole path at once

Removing Directories

rmdir directoryname

Removes an empty directory. Use rm -r for directories with content.

Important Safety Tips

  • No undo! Deleted files don't go to a trash bin - they're gone
  • Use -i flag: Add -i to rm or cp for confirmation prompts
  • Double-check paths: Make sure you're in the right directory
  • Avoid wildcards with rm: Be very careful with rm *
  • Test with ls first: Use ls to see what would be affected

Practice Levels

Level 1: Create a File Level 2: Copy a File Level 3: Move/Rename a File Level 4: Delete a File Level 5: Create Directories