# SYNOPSIS
-bup ls [-s] <paths...>
+bup ls [-s] [-a] \<paths...\>
# DESCRIPTION
using the same directory hierarchy as they would have with
`bup-fuse`(1).
-The top level directory is the branch (corresponding to
+The top level directory contains the branch (corresponding to
the `-n` option in `bup save`), the next level is the date
of the backup, and subsequent levels correspond to files in
the backup.
+When `bup ls` is asked to output on a tty, it formats its output
+in columns so that it can list as much as possible in as few lines
+as possible. However, when `bup ls` is asked to output to something
+other than a tty (say you pipe the output to another command, or you
+redirect it to a file), it will output one file name per line. This
+makes the listing easier to parse with external tools.
+
+Note that `bup ls` doesn't show hidden files by default and one needs to use
+the `-a` option to show them. Files are hidden when their name begins with a
+dot. For example, on the topmost level, the special directories named `.commit`
+and `.tag` are hidden directories.
+
Once you have identified the file you want using `bup ls`,
you can view its contents using `bup join` or `git show`.
# OPTIONS
--s, --hash
+-s, \--hash
: show hash for each file/directory.
+-a, \--all
+: show hidden files.
# EXAMPLE
bup ls /myserver/latest/etc/profile
+ bup ls -a /
+
# SEE ALSO
`bup-join`(1), `bup-fuse`(1), `bup-ftp`(1), `bup-save`(1), `git-show`(1)