Quick Tip

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

Challenge: You’re working in a directory and need to see all files, including those that start with a dot (dotfiles), which are hidden by default in `ls` output.

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

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` flag (short for –almost-all) tells `ls` to list all entries except for `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory). This is useful for seeing configuration files and other hidden dotfiles without cluttering the output with the directory navigation entries.

Pro-Tip: For a more visually rich output, consider installing and using `lsd` (ls deluxe), a modern alternative to `ls` with improved colorization and icons.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 6/11/2026