2
I am using a script to copy directories to a specified location. When I run cp -r ~/.ipython ~/some/path/.ipython the .ipython dir is copied as expected to the specified location. But when I run this command again ~/some/path/.ipython/.ipython is created.
I understand that this is recursive, but what command copies a dir while for subsequent calls of that command prevent a dir is recursively created inside that same dir?
Bentley4
Posted 2013-05-22T18:18:04.200
Reputation: 1 588
1
Yes, as you've noticed, nothing prevent the cp command to create a new .ipython dir inside every other .ipython dir.
If you are using it in a script which you run repeatedly, the best approach to avoid the problem is not to use cp but rsync:
rsync -vua ~/.ipython/ ~/some/path/.ipython/
NB, the trailing / at the end of path is significant for rsync. If you are trying it out, don't forget to add that.
EDIT: Kruug's answer should be working as well, but rsync will yield better performance, especially when you are doing it repeatedly.
xpt
Posted 2013-05-22T18:18:04.200
Reputation: 5 548
2
cp -r ~/.ipython/ ~/some/path/.ipython
add the slash, it copies the contents of the directory
Rich Homolka
Posted 2013-05-22T18:18:04.200
Reputation: 27 121
2Could you also do
cp -r ~/.ipython ~/some/path/? – Kruug – 2013-05-22T18:47:46.630Could you make a separate answer of this Kruug? – Bentley4 – 2013-05-22T19:15:39.833
@Rich Homolka : Running that command repeatedly still creates a new
.ipythondir inside every other.ipythondir. – Bentley4 – 2013-05-22T19:19:28.433why are you running the command repeatedly? – MattDMo – 2013-05-22T19:23:29.567
@MattDMo Because I'm using it in a script which I run repeatedly. – Bentley4 – 2013-05-22T19:24:26.457
I guess the question is - what are you trying to accomplish? – MattDMo – 2013-05-22T19:25:10.263
I know there is an other way to get what I want, but it would just be a lot of work. Kruug's answer worked so the problem is solved. – Bentley4 – 2013-05-22T19:27:14.313