What Are Hidden Files and Folders in Linux?
Introduction
When using Linux, you might have come across hidden files and folders—those mysterious entries that start with a dot (.). In this tutorial, we’ll break down exactly what hidden files are, why they exist, and how you can work with them using simple Linux commands.
We’ll also touch on security concerns, and I’ll walk you through how to create your own hidden files and directories.
Let’s get into it!
What Are Hidden Files and Folders in Linux?
In Linux, files or folders that start with a dot (.) are considered hidden. These are not shown by default when you list directory contents with the usual ls command.
You might wonder:
Why are these files hidden?
Are they private or more secure?
How do we see them?
Let’s answer all that step by step.
How to View Hidden Files in Linux
You can view hidden files using the following commands:
ls -a
Shows all files, including.(current directory) and..(parent directory), plus hidden ones.ls -A
Shows almost everything, but skips.and...
Example Output:
💡 Quick Tip:
Usels -aif you want to see everything, or ls -Afor cleaner output without .and ...
How to Create Hidden Files and Folders
There are two ways:
1. Rename Existing File/Folder with a Dot
Let’s say you have a folder called directory1. You can rename it to make it hidden:
Now, when you run ls, it won’t show. You need ls -a or ls -A
2. Create Hidden Files/Folders from Scratch
To create a hidden folder:
How Hidden Are These Files, Really?
You might think hiding files means extra security, but hidden files are not protected or private. Anyone with access to the system can easily view them using the correct commands.
So, why hide them?
The Main Reason: Avoiding Clutter
Hidden files usually store configuration data, logs, or other system-related info that you don’t need to see all the time.
This keeps your working directories clean and easy to navigate.
Watch the full tutorial on Linux hidden files and folders in this short and easy-to-follow video
