Files and Directories

Introduction

In this challenge, you will practice using fundamental Linux commands to navigate the file system, copy, move, and delete files and directories. These operations are essential skills for any Linux user or system administrator.

Achievements

Upon completion of this challenge, you will have demonstrated proficiency in using:

• cp - to copy files and directories
• mv - to move and rename files and directories
• rm - to remove files and directories

Skills Graph

Copy Files and Directories

This step focuses on copying files and directories using the cp command.

Tasks

1. Copy the ~/.zshrc file to ~/Desktop/zshrc-copy.
2. Copy the entire ~/Code directory to ~/Desktop.

Requirements

• Use the cp command to complete both tasks.
• -r option can be used to copy directories recursively.

Example

After completing these tasks, you should see the zshrc-copy file and Code directory on your Desktop. You can verify this with:

ls -l ~/Desktop

Sample Output:

drwxr-xr-x 2 labex labex    6 Jan 19 09:25 Code
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex  636 Jan 15 10:47 code.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex  749 Jan 15 10:47 gedit.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex 5106 Jan 15 10:47 gvim.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex 8499 Jan 15 10:47 xfce4-terminal.desktop
-rw-r--r-- 1 labex labex 4752 Jan 19 09:25 zshrc-copy

Move Files and Directories

In this step, you'll practice moving and renaming files and directories using the mv command.

Tasks

1. Move the ~/Desktop/zshrc-copy file to ~/Desktop/zshrc-move.
2. Move the ~/Desktop/Code directory to ~/Desktop/Code-move.

Requirements

• Use the mv command for both operations.
• Note that mv can be used both for moving and renaming files and directories.

Example

After completing these tasks, your Desktop should contain zshrc-move and Code-move. Verify with:

ls -l ~/Desktop

Sample Output:

drwxr-xr-x 2 labex labex    6 Jan 19 09:25 Code-move
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex  636 Jan 15 10:47 code.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex  749 Jan 15 10:47 gedit.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex 5106 Jan 15 10:47 gvim.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex 8499 Jan 15 10:47 xfce4-terminal.desktop
-rw-r--r-- 1 labex labex 4752 Jan 19 09:25 zshrc-move

Remove Files and Directories

The final step involves removing files and directories using the rm command.

Tasks

1. Remove the ~/Desktop/zshrc-move file.
2. Remove the ~/Desktop/Code-move directory.

Requirements

• Use the rm command for both operations.
• Be cautious when using rm, especially with directories, as it can permanently delete data.

Example

After completing these tasks, zshrc-move and Code-move should be removed from your Desktop. Verify with:

ls -l ~/Desktop

Sample Output:

-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex  636 Jan 15 10:47 code.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex  749 Jan 15 10:47 gedit.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex 5106 Jan 15 10:47 gvim.desktop
-rwxr-xr-x 1 labex labex 8499 Jan 15 10:47 xfce4-terminal.desktop

Summary

Congratulations! You've successfully completed the "Files and Directories" challenge. You've practiced essential Linux file management commands: cp for copying, mv for moving and renaming, and rm for removing files and directories. These skills form the foundation of efficient file system navigation and management in Linux environments. Continue practicing these commands to become more proficient in Linux file operations.