Quick Tip

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

Challenge: By default, `ls` hides files and directories that start with a dot (.), often used for configuration. You need a quick way to see all files, including these hidden ones.

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, including those starting with a dot, but it excludes the special `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory) entries for a cleaner output than `ls -a`.

Pro-Tip: To also include the `.` and `..` entries, use `ls -a`. For a more visually appealing listing with colors and icons, consider installing and using `lsd` (a modern `ls` replacement).

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/30/2026