The general format for redirecting output on Bash/ksh shell is:
command > output.txt
command > /dev/device
However, you may end up overwriting file accidentally using > operator. For example:
$ ls -l *.c > output.txt
If file output.txt exists and is a regular file it will be overwritten. Say as a root user you typed “command > /etc/passwd” instead of “command < /etc/passwd". This can spell disaster for /etc/passwd file. On one occasion I had used > when I meant to use >> (append) operator.
How do I avoid accidental overwriting of a file on bash shell?
You can tell bash shell not to delete file data / contents by mistake by setting noclobber variable. It can keep you from accidentally destroying your existing files by redirecting input over an already-existing file.
How do I set noclobber option to prevent overwriting files on bash shell?
Open the Terminal and type the following command:
$ set -o noclobber
Create a test file:
$ echo "foo bar"> output.txt
Next, try to write to a file called output.txt:
$ cat > output.txt
OR
ls -l > output.txt
Sample outputs:
bash: output.txt: cannot overwrite existing file
Add set -o noclobber to your ~/.bashrc file:
$ echo 'set -o noclobber' >> ~/.bashrc
How do I turn off noclobber on bash shell?
Type the following command:
$ set +o noclobber
Using + rather than - causes these flags to be turned off.
How do I temporary turn off noclobber on bash shell?
Sometime you just need to turn off noclobber for single operation. Use >| operator to force the file to be overwritten:
$ ls /etc >| output.txt
$ less output.txt
Putting it all together
Here is a quick demo about avoiding unintentional clobbering (overwrting) a file on bash and ksh shell:
Recommended readings
- Chapter 6: Shell Redirection from Linux shell scripting wiki.
- Also, read bash man page for more information:
$ bash(1)
$ help set
There is also chattr utility that is very useful to prevent files being overwritten and/or modified even under root. In order to protect critically important file just execute chattr +i /path/to/file. To disable protection execute chattr -i /path/to/file.
@Artem
The utiltiy chattr is not only used to prevent overwritten but also can make a file undeletable
To view a file which has this attribute set we use the command
lsattr
I hope you know this command but to refresh i gave this command
Thanks and Regards
V.Balaviswanathan
I know this an ancient post, but the command under “Add set -o noclobber to your ~.bashrc file” has two problems: The ‘smart’ quotes need replace by standard quotes, and the ~ should have a / after it.
The post has been updated to include your response. I appreciate your post and feedback!