UNIX Copying Multiple Files to a Sibling Directory From inside the programs directory, which command copies the three files wb, collect, and mon into the sibling directory ../misc while keeping their names?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: cp wb collect mon ../misc

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
On UNIX-like systems, copying multiple files into a target directory is accomplished using the cp command. Understanding relative paths (such as ../misc) helps navigate and manage files efficiently across sibling directories.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • You are currently in the programs directory.
  • There exists a sibling directory misc one level up: ../misc.
  • Files wb, collect, and mon reside in the current directory.


Concept / Approach:
Use cp followed by a list of source files and the destination directory. A relative path beginning with ../ refers to the parent directory; appending misc targets the sibling directory named misc.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Confirm current directory with pwd and listing with ls.Execute: cp wb collect mon ../misc.Verify: ls ../misc now shows wb, collect, mon.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try copying with wildcards (e.g., cp w* if patterns match). Use cp -i to prompt before overwrite or cp -v for verbose output.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A uses DOS syntax (copy), not UNIX cp, and repeats the destination unnecessarily.Option C again uses DOS copy and an absolute path /misc that likely is not intended.Option D uses tar, which is for archiving, not simple copying to a directory argument.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing absolute /misc with relative ../misc.
  • Overwriting existing files without -i or backups.


Final Answer:
cp wb collect mon ../misc

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