Quick Tip

Unmask Hidden Files Instantly with `ls -A`

Challenge: By default, `ls` doesn’t show hidden files and directories (those starting with a dot). Sometimes you need a quick way to see everything in a directory, including configuration files.

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 include all files, even those that are hidden, but it intelligently excludes the current directory (`.`) and parent directory (`..`) entries, making the output cleaner and more useful than `ls -a` for most practical purposes.

Pro-Tip: For an even more visually appealing and structured output of all files (including hidden ones), consider installing and using `lsd` (a modern `ls` replacement) with `lsd -a`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/21/2026