The command used to copy files and directories in Linux is `cp`.
`cp` is a standard Unix and Linux shell command whose name abbreviates “copy.” It can duplicate one file under a new name, copy several files into an existing directory, or copy a directory tree when used with the recursive option, commonly `-r` or `-R`. For example, `cp report.txt report.bak` creates a backup copy, while `cp -R project archive` copies a directory and its contents.
The alternatives describe different operations. `mv` moves or renames files, `ln` creates links, and `dd` copies raw data streams or disk images with block-oriented controls rather than serving as the normal file-copy command. Depending on options and implementation, `cp` can preserve permissions, timestamps, ownership, and other metadata. Users should remember that ordinary `cp` may overwrite an existing destination; `cp -i` asks before overwriting, and `cp -n` requests no clobbering where supported.