6 Ways To Show File Extensions Via Command Line

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For many users, file extensions are a crucial part of understanding what a file is and how it should be handled. While modern operating systems often hide file extensions to simplify the user experience, there are scenarios where viewing these extensions is necessary, especially for developers, system administrators, and advanced users. If you're working in a command-line environment, there are several ways to show file extensions. Here's how you can do it in various operating systems:

Understanding the Importance of File Extensions

Before diving into the methods of showing file extensions via the command line, it's essential to understand why file extensions are important. File extensions help in identifying the type of a file, its purpose, and which application can open it. They are especially crucial in command-line interfaces where files are manipulated and executed frequently.

Method 1: Using the dir Command in Windows

In Windows, you can use the dir command in the Command Prompt to list files and directories. To include file extensions in the output, you don't necessarily need to modify the command, as file extensions are displayed by default.

dir

This command will list all files and directories in the current directory, including their extensions.

Method 2: Using the ls Command in Linux and macOS

In Linux and macOS, the ls command is used to list files and directories. To show file extensions, you can use the -l option, which displays detailed information about each file.

ls -l

The -l option stands for "long format" and provides more detailed information, including file permissions, ownership, size, and last modification date, in addition to the file name and extension.

Method 3: Using ls with -F Option in Linux and macOS

Another way to show file extensions in Linux and macOS is by using the ls command with the -F option. This option appends a character to the end of each filename indicating its type (e.g., / for directories, * for executables).

ls -F

While this method does not directly show file extensions, it helps identify the type of file based on the appended character, which can be useful in certain contexts.

Method 4: Using find Command in Linux and macOS

For more complex file searches, you can use the find command. To show files with specific extensions, you can use the -name option followed by the pattern of the file extension.

find. -name "*.txt"

This command searches for files with the .txt extension in the current directory and its subdirectories.

Method 5: Using PowerShell in Windows

In Windows PowerShell, you can use the Get-ChildItem cmdlet to list files and directories. This cmdlet is similar to the dir command in Command Prompt but offers more powerful features and flexibility.

Get-ChildItem

By default, Get-ChildItem displays files and directories in the current location, including their extensions.

Method 6: Using tree Command in Windows and Linux

Finally, the tree command is a visually appealing way to list files and directories in a tree-like structure. This command is available in both Windows and Linux.

tree

The tree command shows a hierarchical representation of the directory structure, including file extensions.

Gallery of Command Line Interfaces:

FAQ:

We've explored various methods to show file extensions via the command line in different operating systems. Whether you're using Windows, Linux, or macOS, understanding how to view and manage file extensions is crucial for effective file management and system administration.