What are common cp options?

Common options for the cp command include:

• -r or --recursive: Copy directories recursively.
• -i or --interactive: Prompt before overwriting files.
• -u or --update: Copy only when the source file is newer than the destination file or when the destination file is missing.
• -v or --verbose: Explain what is being done (show the files being copied).
• -a or --archive: Copy files and directories recursively and preserve attributes (like timestamps and permissions).

For example, to copy a directory and its contents while preserving attributes, you would use:

cp -a source_directory/ destination_directory/