You know how Linux makes a back-up file every time a file is edited, is there a way to have that file saved to a specified folder instead of it always being saved in the original file's directory?

I'm using KDE if that matters...

It doesn't so much matter that you are using kde, as it does matter which program you are using. If you are using kwrite, then no, I don't think so. On the bright side, if you are just trying to avoid the clutter, there is something you can do with kwrite: Settings-> configure editor-> Open/Save-> Prefix = .
If the Prefix setting is comprised of a single period, then every temporary save file will have a period added to the front of it. In unix (and linux) this will make it a hidden file. The file will still be there, but you wont normally be able to see it.

Why would you want to that? I would think that right there near the original is where it would be most useful. -- It's not that it's some kind of versioning control. One problem w/ putting them all in the same dir. is name space collision.

Ok thanks, I was using Kedit to edit html files, and I didn't want a ton of back-ups floating around with the originals.

Were you getting more than 1 backup per edited file?

Nope, just 1 back up per original

So the annoying "ton of back-ups" was large only because of the number of files edited.

If it's that important you could (& we could help you) write a script to delete the back-ups, it could even be set to leave newer ones. You could also put it in as a cron job.

Instead of deleting, you could just move them to a back-ups sub-dir.

Putting them in a back-up subdirectory is what I was hoping to do.

Do you need help writing the script?

I've never tried writing a script before.

Would you like to try?

It's little more than putting the necessary commands in a file.

sure always up for learning something new in Linux

Planning 1st.

Where will the script live? Will it operate only in its own dir., or will it be put someplace like /usr/local/bin?

Will it have to check for &/or make the necessary sub-dir, or can it count on that being provided?

Will it move all back up files, of only older ones?

How will it recognize back up files?


Just Start Writing

Almost self-explanatory -- what commands wold you issue on the CLI to accomplish your goal?


I suggest you try writing & posting (here, of course) the code, keeping in mind my planning Q's as well as any ideas I have overlooked. Please use LQ "Code:" blocks.

BTW, this is one of my ideas of fun.

Have you lost interest?

Sorry for the very delayed reply. I no longer need a script for that particular need, but perhaps learning now would be useful in the future.

Is a script file just a txt file with commands in it? And what makes it executable?

I'm assuming it's not as simple as