--- layout: page category_title: file system category-page: navigation tags: lS author: Mirko Ponzio title: LS ---
In computing, ls is a command to list computer files in Unix and Unix-like operating systems. ls is specified by POSIX and the Single UNIX Specification.
When invoked without any arguments, ls lists the files in the current working directory. The command is also available in the EFI shell.
In other environments, such as DOS and Microsoft Windows, similar functionality is provided by the dir command.
Unix and Unix-like operating systems maintain the idea of a current working directory, that is, where one is currently positioned in the hierarchy of directories.
When invoked without any arguments, ls lists the files in the current working directory.
If another directory is specified, then ls will list the files there, and in fact the user may specify any list of files and directories to be listed.
Files whose names start with "." are not listed, unless the -a flag is specified, the -A flag is specified, or the files are specified explicitly.
Without options, ls displays files in a bare format. This bare format however makes it difficult to establish the type, permissions, and size of the files.
The most common options to reveal this information or change the list of files are:
The following options are available:
-@
Display extended attribute keys and sizes in long (-l) output.