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Asked: 2024-09-24T11:17:12+05:30 In:

How can I transfer all the files from one directory to another using the terminal in Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to figure out how to transfer a bunch of files from one directory to another using the terminal in Ubuntu, and I’m a bit stuck. I usually just click and drag in the GUI, but I really want to get the hang of using the terminal for this kind of stuff. I feel like it’ll help me be more efficient in the long run, you know?

So, here’s the situation: I have this directory called `Documents/Work` where I keep all my work-related files, and I want to move everything from there to another directory called `Documents/Backup`. I’ve got a handful of files there—some Word documents, PDFs, and a couple of images—but I really don’t want to pick and choose what goes where. I want to transfer ALL of them in one go.

I’ve read a bit about using commands like `mv` and `cp`, but I’m not entirely sure how to use them effectively for this sort of bulk transfer. Like, am I supposed to type out the full path for both directories? And what’s the difference between using `mv` and `cp`? I’ve heard that using `mv` will actually move the files, while `cp` will just create a copy. Is that correct?

Also, what if I run into some permissions issues? I’ve always been a bit intimidated by permission errors, especially when I see that “permission denied” message pop up. Is there a way to sidestep that, or should I be using `sudo` with these commands?

I’ve been tinkering with the terminal a bit, but there’s always that fear of messing things up. I guess I just want to make sure I’m doing this right without accidentally losing any important files. If I could get some straightforward advice on how to pull this off without any headaches, I would really appreciate it! If you have any tips or commands that could help me do this smoothly, I’m all ears!

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    2 Answers


    1. To move all the files from your `Documents/Work` directory to the `Documents/Backup` directory using the terminal, you can definitely use the `mv` command! Here’s how you can do it:

      mv ~/Documents/Work/* ~/Documents/Backup/

      Here’s what’s happening:

      • mv: This is the command for moving files.
      • ~/Documents/Work/*: The asterisk (*) means “all files” in the `Work` directory. Using ~ is a shortcut for your home directory, so you don’t have to type the full path.
      • ~/Documents/Backup/: This is the target directory where your files will be moved.

      You’re correct about mv and cp! To clarify:

      • mv moves the files (they will no longer be in the `Work` directory).
      • cp copies the files (leaving the originals in the `Work` directory`).

      If you want to copy instead, just replace mv with cp:

      cp ~/Documents/Work/* ~/Documents/Backup/

      Now, about permission issues: If you run into a “permission denied” error, you could use sudo to execute the command with superuser privileges:

      sudo mv ~/Documents/Work/* ~/Documents/Backup/

      However, be cautious with sudo since it gives you elevated privileges. It’s best to use it only when necessary.

      Lastly, always make sure your files are backed up, just in case something goes wrong. You can create a copy before moving if you’re worried about losing files.

      So, in summary:

      • Use mv to move files and cp to copy files.
      • Use wildcards like * to select all files.
      • If permission issues arise, consider using sudo but do so with caution.

      Practice a bit, and you’ll get the hang of it! Good luck!



    2. To transfer all files from your `Documents/Work` directory to `Documents/Backup` using the terminal in Ubuntu, you can use the command mv if you want to move them, or cp if you prefer to copy them. The command you would need to enter is mv ~/Documents/Work/* ~/Documents/Backup/ for moving or cp ~/Documents/Work/* ~/Documents/Backup/ for copying. The asterisk * is a wildcard that tells the terminal to select all files in the specified directory. It’s often best to use the full path (like ~/Documents/Work) to avoid any ambiguity about the location of your directories, especially if you’re executing commands from different locations in the filesystem.

      If you encounter permission issues such as “permission denied,” the command sudo can help. For example, you can run sudo mv ~/Documents/Work/* ~/Documents/Backup/ to execute the move command with superuser privileges. However, be cautious when using sudo, as it can lead to unintended consequences if misused. To minimize risk, consider making a backup of critical files before you begin. Also, familiarize yourself with the commands by trying them on a small set of files first, ensuring that you understand how they work before executing on the entire directory. This practice will help you build confidence and reduce the fear of losing important files.


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