Quick Tip

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

Challenge: By default, `ls` doesn’t show hidden files (those starting with a dot, like `.bashrc`). This can make it difficult to see all files and directories in a specific location.

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

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option tells `ls` to show all files, including those that are hidden (starting with a dot), while intentionally omitting the current directory (`.`) and parent directory (`..`) references for a cleaner output.

Pro-Tip: For a more visually appealing and feature-rich directory listing, consider installing and using `lsd` (ls deluxe) which can be aliased to `ls`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 6/20/2026