Quick Tip

Instantly Unmask Hidden Files with `ls -A`

Challenge: By default, the `ls` command doesn’t show hidden files (those starting with a dot `.`). Sometimes you need to quickly see these configuration files or dotfiles to troubleshoot or verify settings.

The Solution: Use the `-A` (or `–almost-all`) flag with `ls` to display all entries except for `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory).

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` flag tells `ls` to include entries whose names begin with a dot, while deliberately omitting the special `.` and `..` entries for cleaner output.

Pro-Tip: Combine this with other `ls` flags for even more useful output, e.g., `ls -lA` for a detailed, hidden-file-inclusive listing.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/29/2026