Copy file to destination, or multiple files(s) to another directory. This is also very useful when working with system files. Before you change a system file use cp to creat a .bak as descriped below.

OPTIONS

-a, --archive
same as -dpR

--backup[=CONTROL]
make a backup of each existing destination file

-b
like --backup but does not accept an argument

--copy-contents
copy contents of special files when recursive

-d
same as --no-dereference --preserve=link

--no-dereference
never follow symbolic links

-f, --force
if an existing destination file cannot be opened, remove it and try again

-i, --interactive
prompt before overwrite

-H
follow command-line symbolic links

-l, --link
link files instead of copying

-L, --dereference
always follow symbolic links

-p
same as --preserve=mode,ownership,timestamps

--preserve[=ATTR_LIST]
preserve the specified attributes (default: mode,ownership,timestamps), if possible additional attributes: links, all

--no-preserve=ATTR_LIST
don't preserve the specified attributes

--parents
append source path to DIRECTORY

-P
same as `--no-dereference'

-R, -r, --recursive
copy directories recursively

--remove-destination
remove each existing destination file before attempting to open it (contrast with --force)

--reply={yes,no,query}
specify how to handle the prompt about an existing destination file

--sparse=WHEN
control creation of sparse files

--strip-trailing-slashes
remove any trailing slashes from each SOURCE argument

-s, --symbolic-link
make symbolic links instead of copying

-S, --suffix=SUFFIX
override the usual backup suffix

--target-directory=DIRECTORY
move all SOURCE arguments into DIRECTORY

-u, --update
copy only when the SOURCE file is newer than the destination file or when the destination file is missing

-v, --verbose
explain what is being done

-x, --one-file-system
stay on this file system

--help
display this help and exit

--version
output version information and exit

To make a backup file in current Directory (good to use before making changes to a system file)

cp sysfile.conf sysfile.conf.bak

To copy a file to another location from the current Directory

cp file.gz /path/to/new/directory/

To copy a Directory

cp -fR /path/to/folder/ /path/to/new/directory/