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  1. The difference between -r and -R - Unix & Linux Stack Exchange

    Most POSIX commands that have recursive directory traversal option (ls, chmod, chgrp, chmod, cp, rm) have -R for that. rm also has -r because that's what it was initially, long before POSIX.

  2. Why is -r recursive necessary when copying a directory in Linux?

    Nov 14, 2014 · The -r flag tells the file system to recursively roll down the file/directory tree and copy any & all contents that might be a “child” of that file to a new place. Now as to why that might seem …

  3. chmod Recursive: Change File & Directory Permissions Recursively

    Dec 12, 2025 · Specify the recursive option (-R or --recursive) with chmod to recursively change permissions for multiple files. The option sets the permissions for the directory (and the files it contains).

  4. Why doesn't mv utility need -R (recursive) option but cp does?

    A true copy of a cup of coffee is not an empty cup - you have to recursively copy not only the cup, but all of its contents (the coffee) too. However, when you move a cup of coffee you don't have to move the …

  5. How and where do I set the MAXRECURSION option?

    So far I've tried to put it next to where I define the CTE but it isn't working. I've also tried a few different places and it's not working either. The error I get each time is: Incorrect syntax near the keyword …

  6. Recursive Retrieval Options (GNU Wget 1.25.0 Manual)

    This option causes Wget to download all the files that are necessary to properly display a given HTML page. This includes such things as inlined images, sounds, and referenced stylesheets.

  7. How to Recursively Grep all Directories and Subdirectories in Linux

    Jul 23, 2025 · In this article, we’ll explore how to use the recursive option of grep to search through directories and subdirectories, making it easier to find specific terms across multiple files.

  8. Linux: To recurse or not - Network World

    Feb 17, 2018 · Some Linux commands recurse without being asked, while others have to be nudged with just the right option. Here are some ways to use it to make you tasks easier.

  9. Why does 'mv' not need '-r' to work with directories, but 'rm' and 'cp' do?

    Oct 23, 2022 · Since there is no recursive operation to implement mv for a directory it does not have a -r option. Unlike the other answer that focuses on damage or time taken by rm or cp the actual reason …

  10. linux - How can I recursively find all files in current and subfolders ...

    Aug 17, 2016 · It starts recursively traversing for filename or pattern from within the current directory where you are positioned. With the find command, you can use wildcards, and various switches.