Overview
This lecture explains how to use copy commands and wildcards in Bash, including copying individual files, multiple files with patterns, and entire directories recursively.
Copying Files in Bash
- The Bash shell allows copying files using a command similar to the Windows copy command.
- To copy a single file (e.g., myverycoolfile.txt) to the desktop, use the copy command followed by the file name and destination.
- Wildcards like the asterisk () can be used to match multiple files based on patterns (e.g., *.png).
Copying Multiple Files with Wildcards
- To copy all PNG files in a directory, use the command with the pattern
*.png followed by the destination path (e.g., the desktop).
- This method selects all files ending with .png, like pizza.png, soda.png, and cake.png.*
Copying Directories Recursively
- To copy an entire directory and its contents, use the recursive flag
-R with the copy command.
- For example, copying a folder named "cat pictures" to the desktop requires the recursive flag.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Wildcard (*) — A symbol used to match multiple files based on their names or extensions.
- Recursive copy (-R) — A flag used when copying directories to ensure all subfolders and files are included.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice copying single files, multiple files (with wildcards), and entire directories in Bash.