Does move in Unix alter timestamp?
In the Unix operating system, the concept of altering timestamps is a crucial aspect of file management. One common question that arises among users is whether moving a file or directory in Unix alters its timestamp. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic and clarify whether moving files in Unix indeed changes their timestamps.
Understanding Timestamps in Unix
In Unix, every file and directory is associated with several timestamps that provide information about its creation, modification, and access. These timestamps include:
1. Creation Time: The time when the file or directory was created.
2. Last Modified Time: The time when the file or directory was last modified.
3. Last Accessed Time: The time when the file or directory was last accessed.
These timestamps are crucial for various purposes, such as tracking changes, determining file age, and managing file permissions.
Does Moving a File or Directory in Unix Alter Timestamps?
The answer to the question, “Does move in Unix alter timestamp?” is both yes and no, depending on the context.
1. Moving Files within the Same Filesystem: When you move a file or directory within the same filesystem in Unix, the last modified time and last accessed time of the file or directory do not change. However, the creation time remains the same. This is because the file or directory is not being created or deleted during the move operation; it is merely being relocated within the filesystem.
2. Moving Files between Filesystems: When you move a file or directory between different filesystems in Unix, the timestamps may change. This is because the file or directory is being created and deleted during the move operation. As a result, the creation time, last modified time, and last accessed time may all be altered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether moving a file or directory in Unix alters its timestamp depends on the context of the move operation. Moving files within the same filesystem generally does not change the timestamps, while moving files between filesystems may result in altered timestamps. Understanding these nuances is essential for managing files and directories effectively in the Unix operating system.
