The Ultimate Guide to the Linux `cp` Command: Avoiding Common Copying Pitfalls
This article provides a deep dive into `cp`, one of the most essential Linux commands. Whether you're copying a single file, an entire directory, or need to preserve file attributes, this guide offers detailed examples and explanations. We'll specifically address a common point of confusion: the difference between `cp source/* dest` and `cp source dest`, helping you master file copying like a pro and prevent data loss or messy directory structures.
Shell Magic: How to Gracefully Write Output from Multiple Commands to a Single Log File
In shell scripting or daily system administration, we often need to execute a series of commands and capture all their output (both standard output and errors) into a single log file. This article exposes a common mistake and details how to use command grouping () to atomically redirect the output of multiple commands to one file, making your logging scripts cleaner, more professional, and reliable. This method is one of the best practices recommended by DP@lib00.