Windows
Linux
File Management
File System
Windows dir equivalent in Linux
Lists files and folders in the current (or specified) directory.
Windows
→
dir
Linux equivalents
ls -la
ls -la
ls -la
Overview
What this command does
Lists files and folders in the current (or specified) directory.
Migration tip: In Linux, files beginning with a dot (.) are hidden. Use
ls -a to show them — there's no separate hidden-file flag like Windows.Practical tasks
Common use cases
List directory contents
Lists files and folders in the current (or specified) directory.
ls -l
Long listing (permissions, size, date)
ls -a
Show hidden files (dotfiles)
ls -h
Human-readable sizes (KB, MB)
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
ls
ls -la
ls -lh /home/user
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: dir
ls # basic listing
ls -la # detailed listing including hidden files
ls -lh /home/user # human-readable sizes, specific pathReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
ls -l | Long listing (permissions, size, date) |
ls -a | Show hidden files (dotfiles) |
ls -h | Human-readable sizes (KB, MB) |
ls -t | Sort by modification time |
ls -R | Recursively list subdirectories |
ls -la | Long + hidden — the most useful combo |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | ls -la |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | ls -la |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | ls -la |
Same command on this distribution. |
Important
What to watch out for
Linux filenames are case-sensitive! 'File.txt' and 'file.txt' are two different files.
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