What is the difference between cp-a and cp-r in linux

The difference between "cp-a" and "cp-r" in Linux is: the data copied by the "cp-a" command will retain information such as metadata timestamps and file attributes, while "cp-r" "The data copied by the command will use new timestamp and other information.

#The operating environment of this tutorial: linux7.3 system, Dell G3 computer.

What is the difference between cp-a and cp-r in Linux

The Linux cp (full English spelling: copy file) command is mainly used to copy files or directories.

Syntax

cp [options] source dest

or

cp [options] source... directory

Parameter description:

• -a: This option is usually used when copying a directory, it Preserve links, file attributes, and copy all contents of the directory. Its effect is equal to the dpR parameter combination.

• -r: If the given source file is a directory file, all subdirectories and files in the directory will be copied.

cp -a : Recursive copy, the copied data will retain the timestamp and other information of the original data (specifically: timestamp ownership copy link file attributes rather than files itself)

cp -r: Recursive copy, the copied data will use new timestamp and other information

Copy the link file attributes instead of the file itself: for example, a software For links, the properties of the soft link (timestamp and other information) are copied, rather than the

of the actual document. For example:

cp -a test.sh test1.sh

Use ls -l to view: two The timestamps of the two are the same

cp -r test.sh test2.sh

Usels -l View: the timestamps of the two are different

The same is true for copying the linked file:

A brief summary:

Using cp -a is equivalent to copying the original data intact without changing anything inside. Information

Usecp -r to copy data. The result of the copy is to generate new timestamps and other information

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