Difference between 'install' and 'cp'

rsashok · 04-02-2007, 12:40 PM

I can't figure out what is the major difference between 'install' and 'cp' commands. Besides few options, what is preferred use one versus another?

traene · 04-02-2007, 12:45 PM

Not an export in this issues. But install can replace a binary, while it is still in use. I think install is preferred when doing packet management (upgrading of installed packets, ie. RedHat uses rpm, debian apt-get and arch pacman -- these will have rules using install, instead of cp)

cp can be used for standard file handling issues.

SciYro · 04-02-2007, 12:49 PM

The main diffrence: install can change permissions of the copied files, cp can not. This saves a extra command, and install is usually used to install files, as its a task that requires setting of proper permissions of the newly installed files.

Use cp unless you have good reason not to, odds are, you dont need to use install.

General Failure · 04-02-2007, 02:59 PM

And cp is two keystrokes, install is... erm... many