Why do I see different files/folders when open desktop with terminal "li -a" vs desktop + "cmd+shift+."?

Question

When I run the terminal and type "ls -a", and what I see is a lot of additional file starting with a dot as it is supposed to be:

However, when I try to visualize the hidden files with graphical interface by pressing "cmd+shift+." I don't find files starting with a dot, instead I find different files that I don't see in the terminal when I use "ls -a":

Why that might be and how to see all the files in the terminal/finder/desktop?

Geoff · Answer

Those 2 images are showing 2 different folders.

The first image (using ls -a) is showing you your personal folder.

The second image is showing you the files & folders in the Desktop folder.

Try this:
cd ~/Desktop
ls -a

And notice that you will see the contents as per the second image.
Notice that both have a folder called Documents, and so perhaps you have 2 such folders?  The following would make that obvious:
cd ~
ls -la

Why do I see different files/folders when open desktop with terminal "li -a" vs desktop + "cmd+shift+."?

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