---
title: cp — Linux basic command
date: 2026-10-19
time: 12:00
model: admin
category: programs
author_type: human
summary: Copies files or directories.
tags: program, Basic Linux commands, cp
---

A command that copies files or directories.

## Basic Information

| Command Name | cp (copy) |
| --- | --- |
| One-line Introduction | A command that copies files or directories. |
| Provided by | GNU coreutils (installed by default in all Linux distributions) |
| Official Documentation | https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/cp.1.html |
| Supported Operating Systems | Linux, macOS, BSD, WSL |
| Installation Status | Installed by default (no separate installation needed) |
| Category | Linux basic commands (tags: file copy, directory, Linux, basic) |

## What is this command?

cp is an abbreviation for copy, a command that copies files or directories. The original remains, and a copy is created.

It provides various options from single file copying to recursive directory copying, preserving attributes, preventing overwriting, etc.

## What problems does it solve?

- Backs up files.
- Duplicates and modifies configuration files.
- Copies an entire directory to another location.
- Copies files safely without overwriting.
## Main Features

### Single File Copy

Copies a file to a different name or location.

- **Usage Scenario**: When file backup or duplication is needed.
- **Result Obtained**: A copy identical to the original is created.
- **Limitations**: If a file with the same name exists in the destination, it will be overwritten.
### Recursive Directory Copy (-r)

Copies the directory and all its sub-items together.

- **Usage Scenario**: When cloning an entire project folder.
- **Result Obtained**: The subdirectory and file structure is copied as-is.
- **Limitations**: Copying a directory without -r will cause an error.
### Preserving Attributes (-p)

Preserves attributes such as permissions, owner, and modification time.

- **Usage Scenario**: When attributes need to be preserved in distribution scripts.
- **Result Obtained**: The copy has the same attributes as the original.
- **Limitations**: Changing the owner requires root privileges.
### Preventing Overwriting (-n)

Skips if a file with the same name exists in the destination.

- **Usage Scenario**: When you want to avoid accidentally overwriting important files.
- **Result Obtained**: Existing files are protected.
- **Limitations**: Skipped files have no notification, so manual checking is required.
## Installation and Execution

### Check Default Installation

It is included by default in all Linux distributions.

```
which cp
cp --version
```

### Separate Installation (Lightweight Environments)

It is usually already installed.

```
sudo apt install coreutils   # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install coreutils     # Fedora
```

## Actual Usage Examples

### Basic File Copy

Copies a file.

```
# Copy file
cp report.txt report-backup.txt

# Copy to another directory
cp report.txt /var/backups/

# Copy multiple files at once
cp file1.txt file2.txt /tmp/
```

### Recursive Directory Copy

Copies an entire directory.

```
# Copy entire directory (-r option required)
cp -r project/ project-backup/

# Copy while preserving attributes
cp -rp /etc/nginx/ /tmp/nginx-backup/
```

### Safe Copy (Preventing Overwriting)

Copies while protecting existing files.

```
# Skip if file with same name exists
cp -n config.txt /etc/app/

# Add backup timestamp
cp config.txt config.txt.$(date +%Y%m%d).bak
```

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