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Re: Dotfiles



Slavko <linux@slavino.sk> wrote:
> Dňa 02.07.2013 23:32 John Hasler wrote / napísal(a):
>> Look at the access times. Dotfiles that have not been accessed in years
>> can probably be safely removed.

> Sure, but do not forget, that the "relatime" (default one) and "noatime"
> mount options are going into play, then the results can be inappropriate.

A filesystem mounted with "relatime" is pretty safe, as for each file
that's accessed, its access time is updated at least once a day. This
from the mount manpage (wheezy) in the section for relatime:

    Access time is only updated if the previous access time was earlier
    than the current modify or change time [...]

    Since Linux 2.6.30, the kernel defaults to the behavior provided by
    this option [...]. In addition, since Linux 2.6.30, the file's last
    access time is always updated if it is more than 1 day old.

Given the OP is looking for "really old" files that haven't been accessed,
then the technique will still work on "relatime" filesystems.

A filesystem mounted with "noatime" can probably be switched to "relatime"
with little or no disadvantageous effect.

Chris


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