This shows files, including . (current directory) and .. (parent directory). To exclude these special directory entries, use the -A flag:

| Interpretation | Likely Intent | |----------------|----------------| | Literal filename | List a file called filedot | | Typo for ls file.* | List files with extensions | | Misheard "list dot files" | Should be ls -a | | Variable without $ | Script bug | | Placeholder in documentation | Replace filedot with actual filename |

: This represents the directory one level above your current location in the file system hierarchy . The ls command | Computing

ls [options] [directory]