Overview
The `tar` command can perform operations such as creating archives, extracting files, listing archive contents, and adding files to existing archives through various options. The `-rvf` option combination is primarily used when you want to add new files or directories to an already existing `tar` archive and see the process in detail.
Key Features (rvf Combination)
- Add files or directories to an existing `tar` archive.
- Display the list of files being added in real-time on the terminal.
- Explicitly specify the path and name of the archive file.
Key Options
These are the core options used in the `tar -rvf` combination. `tar` offers a wide range of other options as well.
Function Options
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Description:
`tar` Executes the command.
Combine the above options to virtually execute commands with AI.
Usage Examples
Practical examples of using the `tar -rvf` command. Before running these examples, you should first create an archive using commands like `tar -cvf myarchive.tar initial_file.txt`.
Add New Files to an Existing Archive
tar -rvf myarchive.tar file1.txt file2.txtAdds `file1.txt` and `file2.txt` to the existing `myarchive.tar`.
Add an Entire Directory to an Existing Archive
tar -rvf myarchive.tar new_directory/Adds the `new_directory/` directory and its contents to the existing `myarchive.tar`.
Add Files Matching a Pattern to an Archive (using find)
find . -name "*.log" -print0 | xargs -0 tar -rvf myarchive.tarFinds all files with the `.log` extension in the current directory and adds them to `myarchive.tar`.
Initial Creation if Archive Does Not Exist (Reference)
tar -cvf myarchive.tar initial_file.txtThe `-r` option is for appending to an existing archive. If no archive exists, you must first create it using the `-c` (create) option.
Tips & Precautions
Points to note and additional tips when using `tar -rvf`.
Precautions
- **Archive Existence**: The `-r` option appends to an existing archive, so the target archive file (specified by `-f`) must exist. An error will occur if it doesn't. Use the `-c` (create) option to create an archive for the first time.
- **Duplicate Files**: By default, `tar` will add a new file even if a file with the same name already exists in the archive, resulting in duplicates. To update existing files, consider using the `-u` (update) option.
- **Performance**: Adding large files or a large number of files can take a significant amount of time and may impact disk I/O.
Other Useful `tar` Options
The `tar` command offers various functionalities beyond `-rvf`.
- -c (create): Creates a new archive file.
- -x (extract): Extracts files from an archive.
- -t (list): Lists the contents of an archive file.
- -u (update): Adds or updates only files that are newer than those already in the archive.
- --delete: Deletes files from an archive (GNU tar specific).