[Bug-tar] Why does --exclude-cache now exclude directories ?

[Christopher X. Candreva]

In looking for a way to not backup a web application's cache directories, I 
discovered the --exclude-cache option and the CACHEDIR.TAG spec. However, I 
also see that in the latest version 1.16.1, this now excludes the directory 
that CACHEDIR.TAG resides in, not just the files it contains.

I believe this change is a mistake for two reasons. First, a web application 
will often need special permissions on it's cache directory. While I do not 
want to back up the cache files, I do want to restore the cache directory 
itself, so that after a restore the directory exists and has correct 
permissions.

The second problem was brought up on this list back in Aug, when someone 
asked if the CACHEDIR.TAG file itself should be backed up even if the 
contents aren't . If CACHEDIR.TAG isn't backed up, on a restore, you will 
start backing up what you wanted to include again. Obviously if you don't 
back up the directory CACHEDIR.TAG is in, you won't get the file itself.

< http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/bug-tar/2006-08/msg00046.html >
< http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/bug-tar/2006-08/msg00048.html >

I don't see any discussion of --exclude-cache after this, so I'm wondering 
why this change was made, and can the behavior be reverted, or at least a 
switch for either provided.


==========================================================
Chris Candreva  -- address@hidden -- (914) 948-3162
WestNet Internet Services of Westchester
http://www.westnet.com/