Copy with Progress on Linux Command Line

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Linux's default command line copy utility cp is unable to display copy progress. Instead, one must use an alternative utility. rsync is recommended as it also functions as a powerful file synchronisation tool.

Copy files and display progress using the following rsync command: 

rsync -aP --stats [source_dir] [target_dir]

The above command options are explained below:

  • -a, --archive: archive mode; equals -rlptgoD
  • -P: show progress during transfer
  • --stats: show transfer statistics