Quick Tip

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

Challenge: By default, the `ls` command doesn’t show hidden files and directories (those starting with a dot). This can make it difficult to see configuration files or other important hidden items in a directory.

The Solution: Use the `-A` flag with the `ls` command to display all files, including hidden ones, but exclude the special `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory) entries.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option tells `ls` to list all entries except for `.` and `..`, providing a more complete view of directory contents without the clutter of self-referential entries.

Pro-Tip: For an even more detailed and visually appealing directory listing that includes hidden files, consider installing and using `lsd` (a modern `ls` replacement) with `lsd -a`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/7/2026