10.1.1 Which files are listed

These options determine which files ls lists information for. By default, any files and the contents of any directories on the command line are shown.

`-a'

`--all'

List all files in directories, including files that start with `.'.

`-A'

`--almost-all'

List all files in directories except for `.' and `..'.

`-B'

`--ignore-backups'

Do not list files that end with `~', unless they are given on the command line.

`-d'

`--directory'

List just the names of directories, as with other types of files, rather than listing their contents. Do not follow symbolic links listed on the command line unless the `--dereference-command-line' (`-H') or `--dereference' (`-L') options are specified.

`-H'

`--dereference-command-line'

If a command line argument specifies a symbolic link, show information for the file the link references rather than for the link itself.

`-I PATTERN'

`--ignore=PATTERN'

Do not list files whose names match the shell pattern (not regular expression) pattern unless they are given on the command line. As in the shell, an initial `.' in a file name does not match a wildcard at the start of pattern. Sometimes it is useful to give this option several times. For example,

$ ls --ignore='.??*' --ignore='.[^.]' --ignore='#*'

The first option ignores names of length 3 or more that start with `.', the second ignores all two-character names that start with `.' except `..', and the third ignores names that start with `#'.

`-L'

`--dereference'

When showing file information for a symbolic link, show information for the file the link references rather than the link itself.

`-R'

`--recursive'

List the contents of all directories recursively.