I have an archive directory that needs to be cleaned up once per quarter. The top level (/data/archive/*) directory names change daily, as well as the subdirectories and the filenames (the application names everything according to date). Also, there are two top level directories, bin and incoming, that we can't touch. I want to write a shell script that loops through the 15 or 20 top level directories and deletes all files and subdirectories older than 3 days (skipping the bin and incoming folders). Can someone get me started on a script? I am kinda new to shell scripting.

Thanks!

Up at the top of this page is a Search button.

Search LQ for find mtime rm {} and you'll see a lot of interesting threads to get you started with your script.

When testing your script [which I am sure you will do before running it] be sure to use ls {} (ie list the filenames) instead of rm {} (which will delete them)

Welcome to LQ!