Re: exclude option for cp

[Eric Blake]

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According to Francky Leyn on 6/24/2007 2:29 AM:
> I know I can do this
> with find, but it would be much more convenient if cp
> would have an option to exclude files from copying.

That's the key to it all.  The Unix philosophy is that each utility should
do one thing, and do it well.  There is no need to bloat cp with something
that find can do, when find already does it better.  You have to prove
that there is something that cannot be done in any other way than cp,
before it is worth adding it to cp.

> Suppose this option would be triggered with -e or --exclude
> I then would be able to specify the copy as:
> cp -rvf -e '*~' -e .scratch
> 
> What about the idea?
> 
> Is someone willing to implement this?

If you submit a patch, it will be reviewed.  But the bar for adding new
features to cp is very high, and no one else will write it for you.

- --
Don't work too hard, make some time for fun as well!

Eric Blake             address@hidden
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