Handling filename beginning with '--' in bash

vjimin · 02-07-2006, 04:02 AM

Hello,

I accidentally created a filename that begins with `--exclude` (while running a careless tar command).

Now, everytime I try to rename or delete this file, I get an error:

Code:

unrecognized option `--exclude=`

I believe the mv and rm commands treat this as an option, regardless of whether I put it inside quotes or escape it with backslashes.

Can anyone please tell me how to get rid of this odd file? FYI, I'm on bash.

Thanks in advance,
VJ

vjimin · 02-07-2006, 04:18 AM

Sorry, found a solution myself. I'm blind... it was right there in the rm man page. Had to use either:

Code:

rm -- -foo

rm ./-foo

VJ

bathory · 02-07-2006, 04:18 AM

Use the "--" before the filename to terminate the list of options:

Code:

mv -- --exclude 
or
rm -- --exclude