How to show hidden files and folders in Linux

Linux is a powerful operating system that provides a lot of functionality to its users. However, many of the files and folders on a Linux system are hidden by default, making it difficult for users to find and access them. In this article, we will discuss how to show hidden files and folders in Linux, using both the command line and graphical interfaces.

Understanding Hidden Files and Folders in Linux

Before we dive into how to show hidden files and folders in Linux, it’s important to understand what hidden files and folders are and why they exist. Hidden files and folders are those that have a dot (.) as the first character in their name. This convention is used by many Linux applications and utilities to identify files and folders that should not be shown to the user by default.

Some of the reasons why files and folders may be hidden include:

• Security: Certain files and folders may contain sensitive information that should not be visible to regular users.
• Organization: Some files and folders may be used by the system or applications and do not need to be accessed by the user.
• Clutter: Showing all files and folders can make the file system look cluttered and overwhelming.

Showing Hidden Files and Folders Using the Command Line

One way to show hidden files and folders in Linux is by using the command line. Here’s how:

1. Open the terminal: To access the command line, you’ll need to open the terminal. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for “Terminal” in the application launcher.
2. Navigate to the directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory that contains the hidden files or folders. For example, if you want to show hidden files and folders in the home directory, you can type cd ~.
3. Show hidden files: Use the ls -a command to list all files and folders in the directory, including the hidden ones. The a option tells the ls command to show hidden files and folders. You should now see all the files and folders, including the hidden ones.
4. Hide hidden files: If you want to hide the hidden files and folders again, you can use the ls command without the a option.

Showing Hidden Files and Folders Using a Graphical Interface

If you prefer to use a graphical interface to access your files and folders, you can also show hidden files and folders using the file manager. Here’s how:

1. Open the file manager: Depending on your Linux distribution and desktop environment, the file manager may be called Nautilus, Dolphin, Thunar, or something else. Look for the file manager icon in the application launcher or menu and click on it to open it.
2. Show hidden files: Once the file manager is open, click on the “View” menu and select “Show Hidden Files” or “Show Hidden Items”, depending on the file manager you’re using. This will display all the hidden files and folders in the current directory.
3. Hide hidden files: To hide the hidden files and folders again, simply uncheck the “Show Hidden Files” or “Show Hidden Items” option in the “View” menu.

Best Practices for Working with Hidden Files and Folders in Linux

While showing hidden files and folders in Linux can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to use caution when working with them. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Only modify files and folders that you understand: Hidden files and folders can contain important system configuration files or user-specific settings. It’s important to know what you’re doing before modifying any of these files.
2. Don’t delete or move system files: Some hidden files and folders are critical to the operation of your Linux system. Deleting or moving these files can cause serious issues and should be avoided.
3. Use tools designed for hidden files: Some applications and file managers are specifically designed to work with hidden files and folders. Using these tools can help ensure that you’re interacting with these files safely and correctly.

By following these best practices, you can avoid accidentally damaging your system or losing important data.

Additional Resources

If you’re interested in learning more about working with hidden files and folders in Linux, there are plenty of resources available online. Here are a few that you might find helpful:

• Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction: This book provides a comprehensive guide to using the command line in Linux, including how to work with hidden files and folders.
• Linux Filesystem Hierarchy: This article provides an overview of the Linux filesystem hierarchy and explains the purpose of many of the hidden files and folders you might encounter.
• How to Hide Files and Folders in Linux: This article explains how to hide files and folders in Linux, which can be helpful if you want to keep certain files private or out of view.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve covered two methods for showing hidden files and folders in Linux. Whether you prefer the command line or a graphical interface, it’s easy to access and view all the files and folders on your Linux system, even those that are hidden by default. By understanding how hidden files and folders work, you can keep your system organized and secure, while still having access to all the files you need.