Which command would you use to copy a file in Linux?

The command used to copy a file in Linux is the cp command. This command stands for "copy" and allows users to create a duplicate of a specified file or directory in a selected location. The syntax primarily consists of the source file and the destination where the copy should be placed, making it straightforward for users to duplicate files and manage their data effectively.

Using cp, you can specify various options, such as -r for copying directories recursively or -i for interactive mode, which prompts you before overwriting existing files. This versatility makes the cp command an essential tool for file management in Linux.

As for the other options: mv is used for moving files or renaming them, clone is not a standard command in Linux for copying files, and copy is not recognized as a command in Linux, as it is primarily associated with DOS/Windows systems. This distinction reinforces why cp is the appropriate choice for file copying in a Linux environment.