Quick Tip

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

Challenge: By default, the `ls` command in Linux hides files and directories that start with a dot (.), which are often used for configuration files and hidden directories.

The Solution: Use the `-A` (almost all) flag with `ls` to reveal these hidden entries, without showing the special `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory) entries.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option tells `ls` to include entries starting with a dot, but it intelligently omits the self-referential directory entries (`.` and `..`) that are usually not what you’re looking for in a typical file listing.

Pro-Tip: To see ALL files, including `.` and `..`, use `ls -a`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 6/15/2026