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), which are often configuration files or sensitive system files.
The Solution: Use the `ls -A` command.
ls -A
Why it works: The `-A` (or `–almost-all`) option for `ls` displays all entries except for `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory). This is generally more useful than `ls -a` which includes these special directory entries.
Pro-Tip: Combine with `-l` for a detailed listing: ls -Al
Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 6/23/2026
