cp -b -S

cime · 11-02-2006, 05:39 AM

-b like --backup but does not accept an argument

-S, --suffix=SUFFIX
override the usual backup suffix

Can somebody tell me what is the point of using -b flag with cp? And I need an example of using both flags at the same time. Thanks.

chrism01 · 11-02-2006, 11:01 PM

As per the man page:

Code:

       The   backup   suffix  is  ‘~’,  unless  set  with  --suffix  or  SIM-
       PLE_BACKUP_SUFFIX.  The version control method may be selected via the
       --backup  option  or through the VERSION_CONTROL environment variable.
       Here are the values:

       none, off
              never make backups (even if --backup is given)

       numbered, t
              make numbered backups

       existing, nil
              numbered if numbered backups exist, simple otherwise

       simple, never
              always make simple backups

ie you can either use the --backup option with one of the above values, or you can specify a backup to be made, not using the above values ie (-b) and specify the suffix instead via the -S switch.