Let's go through some examples of the cp command with output to demonstrate how it behaves in different scenarios. I'll use the -v (verbose) option to show detailed output as the files are copied.

Example 1: Basic Copy of a Single File with Verbose Output

When copying a file, the -v option provides feedback on the operation.

Command:

cp -v file1.txt /home/user/Documents/

Output:

'file1.txt' -> '/home/user/Documents/file1.txt'

This indicates that file1.txt has been copied to /home/user/Documents/.

Example 2: Copy and Rename a File

To rename a file while copying, you can specify the new file name in the destination.

Command:

cp -v file1.txt /home/user/Documents/newfile.txt

Output:

'file1.txt' -> '/home/user/Documents/newfile.txt'

This shows that file1.txt was copied to /home/user/Documents/ and renamed as newfile.txt.

Example 3: Copy Multiple Files to a Directory

To copy multiple files to the same directory, list each file before the target directory.

Command:

cp -v file1.txt file2.txt /home/user/Documents/

Output:

'file1.txt' -> '/home/user/Documents/file1.txt'
'file2.txt' -> '/home/user/Documents/file2.txt'

Each file is copied individually, and the output shows the source and destination paths.

Example 4: Recursive Copy of a Directory

To copy a directory and its contents, use the -r (recursive) option.

Command:

cp -vr myfolder /home/user/Backup/

Output:

'myfolder' -> '/home/user/Backup/myfolder'
'myfolder/file1.txt' -> '/home/user/Backup/myfolder/file1.txt'
'myfolder/subfolder' -> '/home/user/Backup/myfolder/subfolder'
'myfolder/subfolder/file2.txt' -> '/home/user/Backup/myfolder/subfolder/file2.txt'

This output shows that myfolder and all its contents, including any subdirectories, are copied to /home/user/Backup/.

Example 5: Interactive Mode

If you use the -i (interactive) option, cp will prompt before overwriting any existing files in the destination.

Command:

cp -vi file1.txt /home/user/Documents/

Output (if the file already exists in the destination):

cp: overwrite '/home/user/Documents/file1.txt'? y

Typing y will confirm and allow the overwrite; typing n will cancel the copy for that file.

Example 6: Preserve File Attributes

Using the -p option preserves the original file permissions, timestamps, and ownership.

Command:

cp -vp file1.txt /home/user/Documents/

Output:

'file1.txt' -> '/home/user/Documents/file1.txt'

In this case, file1.txt is copied to /home/user/Documents/ with its original attributes intact (though the output doesn’t explicitly show attribute preservation).

Example 7: Copy All Files of a Specific Type

You can copy all files of a specific type using a wildcard (*).

Command:

cp -v *.txt /home/user/Documents/

Output:

'file1.txt' -> '/home/user/Documents/file1.txt'
'file2.txt' -> '/home/user/Documents/file2.txt'

Each .txt file in the current directory is copied to /home/user/Documents/.

These examples demonstrate how cp can be used to copy files and directories, maintain original attributes, and interactively confirm overwrites.