To determine the contents of a
directory, use the ls
(list) command. This command will display a
listing of all files and directories within the current directory or
specified directories. If no pathname is given as an argument, ls will
display the contents of the current directory. The ls
command will
list any subdirectories and files that are in the current working
directory if a pathname is specified. It will also default to a wide
listing display. There are many options that can be used with the ls
command which makes it one of the more flexible and useful UNIX
commands.
| Command Format: |
| ls [-option(s)] [pathname[s]] |
Figure
shows some examples using
the ls command with various options assuming your current directory is
/home/user2. Refer to the Class File Tree Structure
while reviewing
the examples. Example 1 is the basic ls command by itself with no
options or directory specified. It returns a listing of all
directories and files in the current directory. Note that you cannot
tell whether the listed item is a directory or file unless the name
indicates it. Example 2 specifies a relative pathname dir1 which is a
subdirectory of /home/users. Only files and directories in dir1 will
be listed. Example 3 specifies an absolute pathname of /var/mail which
is in another part of the directory tree. Only files and directories
from /var/mail will be listed.
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Interactive
Media Activity
(Flash,
95 kB)  |
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The
ls
command
In this media activity,
you are logged in as user2 and your current working directory is:
/home/user2/dir1. Refer to the Class File Tree Structure by clicking the 'tree' button located on the Menu Bar and type the commands that would accomplish the requested objectives.
Note: Be sure to press enter after each one. Click on step 1 to begin.
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