Quick Tip

Stealthy File Discovery: Unmask Hidden Files with `ls -A`

Challenge: By default, `ls` omits files and directories that start with a dot (‘.’). These “hidden” files often contain configuration or system-specific data, and sometimes you need to see them quickly.

The Solution: Use the `-A` flag with `ls` to list all entries except for ‘.’ (current directory) and ‘..’ (parent directory).

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option tells `ls` to include all entries, including those starting with a dot, providing a more comprehensive view of the directory’s contents without cluttering the output with the self-referential ‘.’ and ‘..’ entries.

Pro-Tip: For a truly exhaustive listing that includes ‘.’ and ‘..’, use `ls -a`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 6/6/2026