CLI:Basics File Management Part 2 – Moving, Copying, Creating, and Deleting Files and Directories
Welcome back!
In this part of the CLI:Basics series, we’re continuing to build your Linux file management skills with another set of must-know commands.
Today’s focus: moving, copying, creating, and deleting files and directories — real-world tasks every Linux user needs to master.
Let’s dive in:
📂 Moving Files and Directories with mv
- Move a file to a directory:
mv file.txt Documents/ - Rename a file:
mv oldname.txt newname.txt - Move a directory:
mv folder/ Documents/
Tip:
Always double-check your move targets — Linux won’t ask for confirmation unless you force it!
📄 Copying Files with cp
- Copy a file:
cp file1.txt file2.txt - Copy multiple files using wildcards:
cp *.txt Documents/
🏗️ Creating Directories with mkdir
- Create a single directory:
mkdir newfolder - Create nested directories with parent flag:
mkdir -p parent/child
Using -p ensures that if the parent folder doesn’t exist, it will be created automatically.
🗑️ Deleting Files and Directories
- Delete a single file:
rm file.txt - Delete an empty directory:
rmdir emptyfolder - Recursively delete a non-empty directory (be careful!):
rm -r folder/ - Force delete non-empty directories without warnings:
rm -rf folder/
Tip:
Use rm -rf cautiously — there’s no “undo” button at the command line!
Final Thoughts
Linux is about freedom and control —
but with that freedom comes responsibility.
Today’s commands gave you direct control over your files and folders, and as always, your path is your own.
“There’s no one right way — just the way that works for you.”
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll continue sharpening your command line skills!
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