Master the Linux ls Command: 20 Essential Options Explained

What is ls

The ls command lists files and directories; by default it shows the contents of the current directory. Adding options extends its functionality for detailed views, sorting, filtering, and more.

Common usages

1. Run ls without options

$ ls

2. Long listing format

Use -l to display a detailed list with permissions, links, owner, group, size, modification date, and name.

$ ls -l

3. Human‑readable sizes

Combine -h with -l to show sizes in KB, MB, etc.

$ ls -lh

4. Sort by size

Use -S to sort files from largest to smallest.

$ ls -lhS

5. Block size unit

Specify a unit with --block-size=SIZE (e.g., --block-size=M for megabytes).

$ ls -l --block-size=M

6. Show hidden files

Files beginning with a dot are hidden; use -a to display them.

$ ls -a

7. List directories only

Use -d */ to list only directory entries.

$ ls -d */

8. Omit owner information

Use -g to hide the owner column.

$ ls -g

9. Omit group information

Use -G (or --no-group) to hide the group column.

$ ls -lG

10. Show numeric UID/GID

Use -n to display numeric user and group IDs.

$ ls -n

11. Disable color output

Use --color=never to turn off colored listings.

$ ls --color=never

12. Show inode numbers

Use -i (or -li for long format) to display each file's inode.

$ ls -li

13. Append slash to directories

Use -p to add a trailing / to directory names.

$ ls -p

14. Reverse sort order

Use -r to reverse the listing order.

$ ls -r

15. Recursive listing

Use -R to list subdirectories recursively.

$ ls -R

16. Sort by extension

Use -X or --sort=extension to order files by their extensions.

$ ls -lX

17. Sort by modification time

Use -t to list newest files first.

$ ls -lt

18. List home directory

Use ~ as a shortcut for your home directory.

$ ls ~

19. List parent directories

Use ../ (or ../../) to view one or two levels up.

$ ls ../

20. Show version

Use --version to display the ls version.

$ ls --version

Summary

These options cover the most frequently used ls features; you can always consult the manual with man ls or ls --help for additional details.