Quick Tip

Tame Your Terminal: Unmask Hidden Files with `ls -A`

Challenge: You need to see all files in a directory, including those starting with a dot (hidden files), but `ls` by default omits them.

The Solution: Use the `-A` flag with `ls` to display all entries except for “.” and “..”.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option is a convenient shorthand for listing almost all files, providing visibility into configuration files and other hidden items that are crucial for system administration.

Pro-Tip: For a more visually appealing and detailed listing of all files, including hidden ones, try combining it with other `ls` options like `-l` (long listing) and `-h` (human-readable sizes): ls -Alh

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/28/2026