Date as a directory name

einy · 11-15-2010, 01:46 AM

Hello,

Everyday I need to make a backup of certain files on my system (I have set up cron job for this).

Can I somehow put a formatted current data as an argument for "cp" command? E.g. I would like to run a "cp ... /backup/2010_12_01" on December, 1st.

As of now, it seems easier for me to write a perl script for this, but I am sure there is an elegant commandline solution for this, can you tech me?

Thank you!

catkin · 11-15-2010, 01:58 AM

The date command can generate that and command substitution can make the string available to the mkdir command.

einy · 11-15-2010, 02:05 AM

Thank you! Can I ask your for an exmaple?

catkin · 11-15-2010, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by einy

Thank you! Can I ask your for an exmaple?

You could but you would learn more by looking at the date man page and command substitution and netsearching if they are not enough.

Please ask again if you get stuck and show what you have tried.

whk · 11-15-2010, 09:42 AM

Another way to skin a cat is an alias.
alias dt="date +'%Y_%m_%e'"

hth

Addendum
Make a directory with backup/<with today's date>
alias bdt='echo "$(mkdir -p backup/$(dt))"'

A word to the wise:
careful with abbrev's cause you might tend to forget them.
I do. heh
Also make full instructions,readmes and/or logs on your work.