How to list the contents of a directory containing over 8 million files?
The article discusses the limitations of the ls command in Unix/Linux systems, particularly regarding the attempt to list too many files in a directory. The author notes that while ls is a commonly used tool for viewing directory contents, it has its limitations that can lead to frustration for users. It provides examples where ls does not work correctly when the number of files exceeds a certain threshold. In such cases, instead of using this tool, alternative approaches are suggested to effectively manage large sets of files. Among these alternatives is the use of the find command, which offers greater flexibility and control. The article concludes with tips on optimizing work with large datasets in the system, which can be useful to both novice and more experienced Unix/Linux users.