#Name

cp - copy files

#Synopsis

$ cp [options...] <source...> <destination>

#Description

cp copies files specified in source to destination.

If there are several sources, the directory destination is created and all files specified in sources are copied into that directory. Otherwise, the source file is copied as destination file. If the file exists, it is overridden. If destination directory exists and there is only one source, the source file is copied into the destination directory.

If a directory is specified in source, the -R (recursive) flag is required. Otherwise, an error occurs.

#Options

• -l, --link: Create hard links instead of copying
• -R, -r, --recursive: Copy directories recursively
• -v, --verbose: Display what files are copied

#Examples

# Copy test file and name it test-backup
$ cp test test-backup

# Copy tests directory and name it tests-backup
$ cp -R tests tests-backup

# Copy test file into existing root
$ cp test root

#See also

• mv(1)