Quick Tip

Unmask Hidden Files Instantly with `ls -A`

Challenge: By default, the `ls` command doesn’t show hidden files and directories (those starting with a dot). Sometimes you need to quickly see everything in a directory, including these often-overlooked items.

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

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` (or `–almost-all`) option tells `ls` to list all entries except for `.` (current directory) and `..` (parent directory). This is perfect for seeing configuration files and hidden directories without the clutter of the two special directory entries.

Pro-Tip: For a more visually rich and tree-like directory listing, combine it with `lsd` (if installed) like this: lsd -a. If `lsd` isn’t installed, you can use the standard `tree` command to visualize the directory structure.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 7/2/2026