How to Copy Directory: Linux Version

If you are new to the Linux operating system, the command-line interface can be a little daunting at first. However, once you start to get the hang of it, you will realize how powerful and flexible it is.

In this guide, we will cover the basics to copy directory in Linux using some simple command-line tools. Whether you need to make a backup of an important directory or want to move files to a new location, knowing how to copy directories in Linux is an essential skill for any Linux user. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Methods to Copy Directory: Linux
  • Method 1: Using the cp Command
  • Method 2: Using the rsync Command
• Copying a Directory with Many Files
• Copying a Directory from One Remote Server to Another
• Copying a Directory but Excluding Certain Files

Methods to Copy Directory: Linux

Method 1: Using the cp Command

The “cp” command stands for “copy,” and it is the most basic command for copying files and directories. Here is the syntax:

Where:

• -R stands for “recursive,” which means that the cp command will copy all files and subdirectories in the directory you’re copying.
• source_directory is the name of the directory you want to copy.
• destination_directory is the name of the directory you want to copy it to. As an example, let’s say that you want to copy the “./Music” directory into a directory named “./Desktop”. Here’s how you will do it:
  • Open your terminal window.
  • Type the following command:

• Press the Enter key

You have successfully copied one directory into another directory on Linux.

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Method 2: Using the rsync Command

The “rsync” command is similar to “cp,” but it has some additional features that make it useful for more advanced copying tasks. One of the most significant benefits of “rsync” is that it can copy only the files that have changed since the last time you ran the command, which can save you a lot of time if you’re copying large directories. Here’s the syntax:

Where:
-avz stands for “archive, verbose, and compress,” respectively. These options ensure that all of the files and subdirectories in the directory you’re copying are preserved, and that you can see the progress of the copying process in the terminal.
source_directory is the name of the directory you want to copy.
destination_directory is the name of the directory you want to copy it to.
As an example, let’s say that you want to copy the “./Videos” directory into a directory named “./Desktop”. Here’s how you will do it:

• Open your terminal window.
• Type the following command:

• Press the Enter key

Awesome, you have again successfully copied one directory into another directory on Linux!
Now that you know how to use “cp” and “rsync” to copy directories in Linux, let’s talk about some additional tips and tricks you can use to make your copying tasks even more efficient.

Copy Directory in Linux with Many Files

If you’re copying a directory with a large number of files, you may want to consider using the tar command to compress the directory before copying it. Here’s the syntax:

Where:

-czvf stands for “create, compress, verbose, and file,” respectively. This command will create a compressed archive of the directory you want to copy, which you can then copy to your desired location using “cp” or “rsync.”

Copying a Directory from One Remote Server to Another

If you want to copy a directory from one remote server to another, you can use the scp command. “scp” stands for “secure copy,” and it allows you to securely copy files and directories between two remote servers. Here’s the syntax:

Where:

• username is your username on the remote server.
• source is the IP address or hostname of the remote server you’re copying from.
• /path/to/source_directory is the path to the directory you want to copy.
• destination is the IP address or hostname of the remote server you’re copying to.
• /path/to/new_directory is the path to the location where you want to copy the directory on the remote server.

Copying a Directory but Excluding Certain Files

If you want to copy a directory but exclude certain files or directories within it, you can use the rsync command with the –exclude option.
For example, let’s say you have a directory called “my_folder” that contains a subdirectory called “my_secret_files.” To copy “my_folder” but exclude “my_secret_files,” you can type the following command:

Where:
–excludeusername tells “rsync” to exclude any files or directories that match the pattern provided. In this case, we’re excluding any file or directory with the name “my_secret_files.”

Endnotes

In conclusion, copying directories in Linux is a simple task that can be accomplished with either the “cp” or “rsync” command. “cp” is the more basic option, while “rsync” provides additional features such as the ability to only copy changed files and the ability to copy files over a network. By using these tools and some additional tips and tricks, you can efficiently copy directories in Linux for whatever purpose you need.