Which command can be used to directly copy files between directories without creating an archive?

The command that can be used to directly copy files between directories without creating an archive is CPIO. CPIO, which stands for "copy in, copy out," is primarily used for creating archives, but it also has the capability to copy files directly from one location to another. Unlike TAR, which is specifically designed to create and extract tarballs (archives), CPIO directly handles the copying process as it reads and writes data to files or directories based on input provided through various arguments.

While RSYNC and MV can also be utilized for transferring and moving files, respectively, they involve either synchronizing directories or moving the file rather than simply copying. CPIO stands out due to its ability to work with file lists and handle streams effectively, making it versatile for straightforward file copying tasks.