Copying a file only when it is newer than the destination

Question

How do I copy a file in Linux only when the file being copied is newer than the version at the destination?

If the file at the destination is newer, I want the file copy to not go ahead.

score 81 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 29 '11 at 15:30

81

Using the update option (-u) with cp should do it for you.

answered Sep 29 '11 at 15:30

Dennis

score 33 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 02 '15 at 09:29

33

rsync --progress -r -u /from/one/* /to/another/directory

answered Mar 02 '15 at 09:29

gnod

score 9 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 29 '11 at 15:27

9

You're not saying what shell you're using, so I'm going to assume ksh:

if [[ file1 -nt file2 ]]; then cp file1 file2; fi

answered Sep 29 '11 at 15:27

Kusalananda

score 6 · Answer 4 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:41

6

yes|cp -ruv /from/* /to/.
yes - Answer yes to all the questions.
r - Recursive
u - update
v - Progress

works like xargs.

I don't know how to explain academically.

edited May 23 '17 at 12:41

Community

answered Nov 08 '16 at 15:03

Felippe Silvestre

4 Answers4