Linux Command Reference: cp

The cp command is used to copy files and directories.

Using cp

Usage: cp <options> <source_path> <destination_path>

<source_path> - The path of the file or directory to be copied (the * wildcard may be used to specify all files or directories in a path)

<destination_path> - The path which the specified source files or directories will be copied to

-d - Copy links, as well as regular files
-f - Force the copy (if a file already exists in the destination path and cannot be opened, copy over it)
-i - Prompt before overwriting existing files in the destination path
-L - Always follow symbolic links
-P - Never follow symbolic links
-p - Preserve file or directory owner and attributes
-R or -r - Copy directories and their contents recursively
-s - Create symbolic links in the destination path instead of copying files
-u - Copy over files in the destination path only if they are older than the copy from the source path