Windows xcopy /e equivalent in Linux
Copies folders recursively while preserving common metadata.
xcopy /e
cp -a source_dir destination_dir
cp -a source_dir destination_dir
cp -a source_dir destination_dir
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "xcopy /e" is used to copy directory tree. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "cp -a source_dir destination_dir". Copies folders recursively while preserving common metadata. This reference is grouped under File Management → Copy/Move.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows xcopy /e maps to cp -a source_dir destination_dir for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Copy directory tree
Copies folders recursively while preserving common metadata.
cp -a source_dir destination_dir
Copy directory tree
cp --help
Show command help when supported
man cp
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
cp -a source_dir destination_dir
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: xcopy /e
cp -a source_dir destination_dirReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
cp -a source_dir destination_dir | Copy directory tree |
cp --help | Show command help when supported |
man cp | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "cp -a source_dir destination_dir" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | cp -a source_dir destination_dir |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | cp -a source_dir destination_dir |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | cp -a source_dir destination_dir |
Same command on this distribution. |
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