Quick Tip

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

Challenge: You’re trying to list all files in a directory, including those that start with a dot (hidden files), but the standard `ls` command isn’t showing them.

The Solution: Use the `-A` (almost all) option with `ls`.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` flag tells `ls` to list all entries except for `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory), effectively revealing hidden files and directories.

Pro-Tip: For a more visual representation, combine it with the `-l` (long listing format) option: `ls -lA`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/8/2026