Cp files into a directory


 
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# 1  
Old 08-20-2015
Wrench Cp files into a directory

Attachment 6397I have been using the Unix tutorial from Berkeley and I am stuck. I cannot figure out how to copy the "motd" file from the "etc" directory into the "test" directory while I'm in the "test" directory. I believe that is the goal of this step in the tutorial but if I am wrong, please explain. I have been able to move the "motd" file while I was in the parent directory but not will I am in the "test" directory. I have included a screen shot.
Cp files into a directory-cp-tutorialpng
# 2  
Old 08-20-2015
Seeing some error messages would be a help, but:
  1. IS there an /etc/motd file to copy?
  2. Are you leaving a blank space between /etc/motd and the dot?
Code:
$ mkdir test
$ cd test
$ cp /etc/motd .
$ cp /etc/hosts .
$ cp /etc/group .
$ ls
group  hosts  motd
$

Works for me. Try a cut and paste.

Last edited by featheredfrog; 08-20-2015 at 10:25 PM..
# 3  
Old 08-20-2015
I made sure the space is between /etc/motd and the dot. Can you see anything wrong with this new screen shot? I only made the motd file btw.
Cp files into a directory-screenshot-2015-08-20-20-26-13png
# 4  
Old 08-20-2015
I'd like to see the results of a pwd when you're in the test directory.
I'm confused by your prompts. Please issue the following commands:
Code:
$ ls -l /etc/motd
$ cd ~
$ mkdir test
$ cd test
$ cp /etc/motd .
$ ls -l

And paste the results here, even if it works correctly. Thanks.
This User Gave Thanks to featheredfrog For This Post:
# 5  
Old 08-20-2015
its probably something very simple but I just cannot figure it out.
Cp files into a directory-screenshot-2015-08-20-20-38-05png
Cp files into a directory-pwd-testpng

Last edited by DragonS74yer74; 08-20-2015 at 10:41 PM.. Reason: add pwd in test screen shot
# 6  
Old 08-20-2015
Quote:
Originally Posted by DragonS74yer74
its probably something very simple but I just cannot figure it out.
You didn't do the "ls -l /etc/motd" to show me it's there. You DO have an empty /motd, but it's in the wrong place, ie: NOT in /etc

---------- Post updated at 09:50 PM ---------- Previous update was at 09:43 PM ----------

I'm suspecting you are confused about the directory hierarchy, and "don't know where you are" Please issue these commands, in this order EXACTLY as typed, and paste all results. You shouldn't enter #comment text, just the commands preceding them:
Code:
cd        #takes you to your home directory
pwd     #displays current working directory 
ls -l /etc/motd  #shows the motd file in the /etc directory
cd test #moves to your test directory
pwd   #again
ls        #what's currently in test
cp /etc/motd . #copies the file to your test directory
ls -l     #displays contents of test, long form

I see you've created your own etc directory, which doesn't seem to be called for in the tutorial.
This User Gave Thanks to featheredfrog For This Post:
# 7  
Old 08-20-2015
that very well could be. I did have a copy of the motd file in the home directory from experimenting but there was, and is, one in the etc directory (I think I have that correct). I couldnt get it to work before creating the etc directory either so I thought I was supposed to create it. Is there normally an etc directory?
Cp files into a directory-commandspng
Cp files into a directory-motdpng
Cp files into a directory-motd-ls-lpng

Last edited by DragonS74yer74; 08-20-2015 at 10:58 PM.. Reason: etc directory
 
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