Module Release Jan 2002: Perform Basic File Management

This month's module release covers LPI 101, Topic 1.3, Objective 3 which requires the Linux users/administrators to:

“Use the basic unix commands to copy and move files and directories. Perform advanced file management operations such as copying multiple files recursively and moving files that meet a wildcard pattern. Use simple and advanced wildcard specifications to refer to files.”

In simple terms this means the user should be able to use the most basic of command line utilities to navigate the filesystem and to manipulate its files and directories, e.g. pwd, cd, mv, rm, mkdir, rmdir, touch.

To do these things more easily and efficiently, the module includes usage of command and filename completion together with wildcard patterns (globbing) to avoid needless keystrokes and typos.

Although everyday character of the techniques and utilities described in this module may cause any tingles of nervous excitement, their options and usage could provide a few surprises for people taking the LPI 101 Exam. Beware.