Quick Tip

Unmask Hidden Files Instantly with `ls -A`

Challenge: You need to see all files and directories in your current location, including those that start with a dot (hidden files), without listing the current directory (`.`) and the parent directory (`..`).

The Solution: Use the `ls -A` command.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` option for `ls` lists all entries except for `.` and `..`. This is incredibly useful for inspecting configuration directories or when you need to ensure you’re seeing everything in a given path.

Pro-Tip: For a more visual representation of directory structures, combine `ls -A` with the `-R` (recursive) option and pipe it to `tree` if available: `ls -AR | tree –fromfile`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/26/2026