What are the differences between cp-an and cp-r in linux

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The difference between "cp-a" and "cp-r" in linux is that the data copied by "cp-a" command retains metadata timestamps and file attributes, while the data copied by "cp-r" command uses new timestamps and other information.

Operating environment: Linux 7.3 system, Dell G3 computer.

What is the difference between CP-A and CP-R in Linux?

Linux cp (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 typically used when copying directories, preserving links, file attributes, and copying everything under 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 under the directory will be copied.

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

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

Copy linked file attributes rather than the file itself: e.g. soft link, copy soft link attributes (timestamp etc.) rather than the actual document

For example:

cp -a test.sh test1.sh

Use ls -l to check: both timestamps are consistent

cp -r test.sh test2.sh

Use ls -l to see: the two timestamps are different

The same is true for copy link files:

To summarize briefly:

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

Use cp -r to copy data, and the result of copying is to generate new information such as timestamps.

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