linux cp recursive directory code example

Example 1: copy folders linux

cp -R source_dir destination_dir
#example
cp -R /etc /etc_backup

Example 2: how to copy the files of a folder to another folder linux

cp -a /source/. /dest/

#The -a option is an improved recursive option, that preserve all file attributes, and also preserve symlinks.

#The . at end of the source path is a specific cp syntax that allow to copy all files and folders, included hidden ones.

Example 3: copy folder linux

cp -R dir1 dir2

Example 4: copy directory command in linux

$ cp -R <source_folder_1> <source_folder_2> ... <source_folder_n>  <destination_folder>