Quick Tip

Instantly Unmask Hidden Files with `ls -A`

Challenge: You need to quickly see all files and directories in a location, including those that are hidden (start with a dot). Standard `ls` often omits these.

The Solution: Use the `-A` (or `–almost-all`) flag with the `ls` command.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` flag tells `ls` to list all entries except for `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory), effectively showing all “hidden” files without cluttering the output with the standard directory entries.

Pro-Tip: Combine `ls -A` with `-l` for a detailed, almost-all view: ls -Al

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/19/2026