Difference between mv and cp?

The mv and cp commands in Linux are used for file operations, but they serve different purposes:

mv (Move)

• Function: Moves files or directories from one location to another.
• Behavior: If the destination is on the same filesystem, it simply changes the file's location. If it's on a different filesystem, it copies the file and then deletes the original.
• Usage: It can also be used to rename files or directories.
• Example:

  mv source_file.txt /path/to/destination/

cp (Copy)

• Function: Copies files or directories from one location to another.
• Behavior: Creates a duplicate of the source file or directory at the destination. The original remains unchanged.
• Usage: You can use options like -r for recursive copying of directories.
• Example:

  cp source_file.txt /path/to/destination/

Summary

• Use mv to move or rename files/directories.
• Use cp to create copies of files/directories.