how do i make directory named "-daily backup-",
i tried with escaping characters ("\-daily backup\-") but also dont work
how do i escape "-" looks like mkdir is seeing it as an option

I'll venture to say that I don't think you can start either a filename or a directory with a '-' character. As you mentioned, any attempt to escape the character is simpy ignored by the mkdir command. Now, you COULD use the underscore character instead, but that may not help you if you are dead set on using a dash.

You can in fact start a file with a hyphen - it's just that Linux assumes if you use it in the ways you've suggested, that you're trying to specify an option. And it does so even if you escape it with quote marks, or bashslashes, or whatever. The trick is to use a double hyphen "--" to specify the end of options. Thuswill work, and the quotes are only necessary because of the space - "mkdir -- -daily\ backup-" will work just as well, as does "touch -- -foo", etc.

You can also prefix the filename with the director it's contained in - so works just as well. It's personal preference as to which one you use/remember!

thx!