Quick Tip

Instantly Unmask Hidden Files with `ls -A`

Challenge: By default, the `ls` command doesn’t display files or directories that start with a dot (‘.’). These are commonly used for configuration files and are often hidden.

The Solution: Use the `-A` flag with the `ls` command.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option tells `ls` to list all entries except for `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory), effectively showing all hidden files and directories.

Pro-Tip: For a long listing format that includes permissions, ownership, and size of hidden files, use `ls -lA`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/23/2026