Which command allows you to maintain file permission and timestamps during file transfer?

The command that allows you to maintain file permissions and timestamps during file transfer is rsync. This tool is specifically designed for efficient file synchronization and transfer, providing a range of options, including the preservation of file attributes such as permissions, timestamps, and ownership.

When you use rsync with the appropriate flags, it can ensure that the files you copy maintain their original permissions and timestamps, making it particularly useful for backups or mirroring directories where file integrity is crucial. For example, the "-a" option (archive mode) in rsync not only preserves permissions but also provides recursive copying and retains symbolic links as well.

In contrast, while other commands like scp can also transfer files securely, they do not inherently maintain all file attributes, especially if not specified with additional options. Similarly, cpio and other file transfer methods may not focus on preserving such metadata as completely or easily as rsync does.

Thus, rsync stands out for its ability to efficiently manage and create exact duplicates of the file system, including all necessary permissions and timestamps.