Difference between cp and mv commands in UNIX

[The_Big_K]

CEans,

I've a simple query related to UNIX. What is the difference between cp and mv commands in UNIX?

Are these commands similar to copy and 'cut' command operations that we do in Windows? Are there any other differences?

[kidakaka]

Biggie,

The cp command will copy one file to the another destination without deleting the original. The mv command will move the file to the other destination (copy the file to the destination and then delete the original). Same concept behind the difference of "Copy and Paste" v/s "Cut and Paste".

It gets more complex, when you consider these commands with the folders instead of files.

[The_Big_K]

Yep, I'm aware of that difference. I want to know if there's more to cp & mv commands, while working with files?

Thanks for the response.

[kidakaka]

Yes, try man pages for detailed dope. But you start seeing the nuances when you do commands like
cp -r /home/kidakaka/mycrap/* /newfolder/newfolder/newfolder/newfolder
mv -r /home/kidakaka /home/prasad

Or in a different way ... eg. using mv as a renaming tool

[The_Big_K]

I see! Thanks a ton for your response.

[sriramchandrk]

Hi,

You need to know about unix file system.

We should know the data structure in it i.e., superblock, inodes, databolocks.

mv and cp are just operations on them!

Its long time since i read it, i have totally forgot, i can just give a link to the text book!

Design of Unix Operating System - Maurice J. Bach

Will read today and let you know the right answer.

Thanks & Regards
Sriram

[The_Big_K]

That will be great. I only want to know if there's much to mv and cp than 'cut' and 'paste'.