Quick Tip

Unmasking Hidden Files Instantly with `ls -A`

Challenge: You need to see all files and directories within a directory, including those that start with a dot (hidden files), but `ls` alone doesn’t show them.

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

ls -A

Why it works: The `-A` flag (which stands for “almost all”) tells `ls` to list all files and directories, including those that are hidden (start with a `.`), but it omits the special current directory (`.`) and parent directory (`..`) entries, making it cleaner than `ls -a` for everyday use.

Pro-Tip: Combine `-A` with `-l` for a detailed listing of all files, including hidden ones: ls -lA

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/12/2026