Quick Tip

Unmask Hidden Files Instantly with `ls -A`

TITLE: Unmask Hidden Files Instantly with `ls -A`

Challenge: By default, the `ls` command doesn’t show hidden files (those starting with a dot, like `.bashrc`). You often need to see all files in a directory to manage configurations or debug hidden processes.

The Solution: Use the `-A` option with `ls` to display all entries except for `.` and `..`.

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` flag tells `ls` to list all files and directories, including those that are hidden, but it intelligently omits the special current directory (`.`) and parent directory (`..`) entries, making the output cleaner than `ls -a` for most use cases.

Pro-Tip: For an even more visually rich output, consider installing and using `lsd` (ls deluxe) which provides color-coding and icons. You can typically install it via your package manager (`sudo apt install lsd` or `sudo dnf install lsd`).

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 6/15/2026