5.1.1 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.

`-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'

In a long listing, show file information (e.g., times and permissions) for the referents of symbolic links rather than for the symbolic links themselves.

`-R'

`--recursive'

List the contents of all directories recursively.