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 configuration files. You might need to see these to troubleshoot or manage your environment.

The Solution: Use the `-A` flag with the `ls` command to reveal all files, including hidden ones, except for ‘.’ (current directory) and ‘..’ (parent directory).

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option tells `ls` to list all entries except for `.` and `..`, providing a more comprehensive view of your directory’s contents without showing the navigational references.

Pro-Tip: Combine it with `-l` for a detailed, long listing of all files: ls -lA

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/22/2026