If you want to read a file and output to standard output, and the file name is 'file1.txt', you simply use 'cat file1.txt'. You can use hidden files just like normal files, and just like normal files, you can only use them in ways that you are permitted to. Using a Hidden File Using the Terminal on Linux or Mac The '.' represents the parent folder: The folder that the folder you're viewing is in.

The './' at the beginning means 'the file I'm trying to use is in the current working directory'. If you've run a script or a program in the current folder before, you might have had to type './file1.py'. When ls -a is used, you'll notice two directories that are not seen when plain ls is used: '.' and '.' represents the current directory. Into the terminal and see the difference. Just typing 'ls' will not show hidden files, but ls has an '-a' option that will show the hidden files. Hidden files can be seen using the usual ' ls' command.

Viewing a Hidden File Using the Terminal on Linux or Mac Don't do it though unless you know what you're doing.

In fact, you can make a file hidden simply by renaming the file to something that starts with '.' using the terminal. For example, 'file1' is not a hidden file, but if a file is named '.file1' it is a hidden file. If a file name doesn't start with '.', then it is not hidden. Hidden files are named just like any other file, except that they always have a '.' character at the beginning. 1.2 Using a Hidden File Using the Terminal on Linux or Mac.1.1 Viewing a Hidden File Using the Terminal on Linux or Mac.

Mac terminal commands show hidden files