CertiGuide to A+ (A+ 4 Real)  9  Chapter 5: The Linux Operating System       9  Basic Concepts and Procedures for Creating, Viewing and Editing Files and Directories

Number 1 Bash Config File

Aliases allow a string to be substituted for another string in the command line. This allows for some very useful replacements of commands. Entering the command alias by itself will show the current set of available alias’. The following set of aliases will cause the rm command, the mv command, and the cp command always to function in interactive mode:

alias rm=’rm -i’

alias mv=’mv -i’

alias cp=’cp -i’

The net result of these aliases is to cause the command plus the -i option to be substituted when the basic command is used. These very useful way aliases can be used to help prevent one from accidentally deleting files. In fact, aliases such as these can be placed at the end of the .bashrc file in each user’s home directory. These aliases will automatically be set up every time that user logs in. Which brings us to our next subject.

Number 1 Bash Config File