What command is used to copy files?

The command used to copy files in Linux is "cp." This command allows users to create a duplicate of a file or a directory by specifying the source file and the destination where the copy should be placed. For example, issuing a command like "cp file1.txt file2.txt" will create a copy of "file1.txt" and name it "file2.txt."

Unlike the command for moving files, "mv," which relocates the files from one location to another without retaining the original, "cp" maintains both the original and the new copy. In addition, while "copy" and "duplicate" may suggest similar functionalities, these are not standard commands in the Linux command-line environment, making "cp" the correct and commonly used command for this purpose. Understanding which command to use for copying files is fundamental for effectively managing files and directories in a Linux system.