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ls

file managementLinux/Unix
The ls command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. ls List directory contents
See ExamplesView Syntax

Quick Reference

Command Name:

ls

Category:

file management

Platform:

Linux/Unix

Basic Usage:

ls -la

Common Use Cases

  • 1

    Directory listing

    List files and directories in a directory

  • 2

    File information

    Display detailed information about files and directories

  • 3

    Hidden files

    Include hidden files in the listing

  • 4

    Human-readable sizes

    Display sizes in a human-readable format

Syntax

ls [OPTION]... [FILE]...

Options

Option Description
-l Use a long listing format
-a Show hidden entries starting with .
-h Human-readable sizes
-R List subdirectories recursively

Examples

How to Use These Examples

The examples below show common ways to use the ls command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

# Basic Examples ls
List files in the current directory.
ls -l
List files in long format with details.
ls -a
List all files including hidden ones.
# Advanced Examples Advanced ls -lah Detailed list with human-readable sizes. ls -R List directories recursively.

Try It Yourself

Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

Understanding Syntax

Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

Notes

These are sample notes for the ls command.

Tips & Tricks

1

Use the -l option to display detailed information

2

Use the -a option to show hidden files

3

Use the -h option to display sizes in human-readable format

4

Use the -S option to sort by file size

5

Use the -t option to sort by modification time

Common Use Cases

Directory listing

List files and directories in a directory

File information

Display detailed information about files and directories

Hidden files

Include hidden files in the listing

Human-readable sizes

Display sizes in a human-readable format

Long listing format

Display detailed information in a long format

Related Commands

These commands are frequently used alongside ls or serve similar purposes:

cd
pwd
find
tree
dir
Explore All Commands

Use Cases

1

Directory listing

List files and directories in a directory

2

File information

Display detailed information about files and directories

3

Hidden files

Include hidden files in the listing

4

Human-readable sizes

Display sizes in a human-readable format

5

Long listing format

Display detailed information in a long format

Learn By Doing

The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the ls command works in different scenarios.

See ExamplesTry Lab Exercises
$ ls
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