box_set - Linux

Overview

box_set is a versatile command-line utility for configuring and manipulating file attributes, permissions, and user/group ownership. It provides a comprehensive set of options for customizing file and directory properties on Linux systems.

Syntax

box_set [-c|-i|-u|-g|-p|-r] [-f PATTERN] [-v] [-n] [-t SCRIPTS] FILE...

Options/Flags

-c (change): Change file or directory permissions.
-i (info): Show information about file attributes and permissions.
-u (user): Change file or directory owner.
-g (group): Change file or directory group.
-p (preserve): Preserve the original permissions after changes made with -c, -u, or -g.
-r (recursive): Apply changes to all files and directories in the specified path recursively.
-f PATTERN: Filter files based on a wildcard pattern.
-v (verbose): Display detailed information about each operation.
-n (dry-run): Show the changes that would be made without actually making them.
-t SCRIPTS: Specify a script or command to execute after each file change operation (requires -n).

Examples

Change permissions:
```
box_set -c 755 example_file
```
Recursively change ownership (root user):
```
box_set -r -u root directory/path
```
Show detailed file information:
```
box_set -i example_file
```
Preserve permissions while changing ownership:
```
box_set -c 774 -p -u new_user example_file
```
Use a script to perform additional actions after changing file modes:
```
box_set -t 'echo "permissions changed: $f"' -n example_file
```

Common Issues

Permission denied: Ensure you have sufficient permissions to perform the requested operation.
File not found: Verify that the specified file or directory exists and is accessible.
Invalid syntax: Check for any errors in the command syntax or arguments. Use the man box_set command for detailed usage instructions.

Integration

Combined with find command:

find . -name '*.txt' -exec box_set -c 664 '{}' +

As part of a script:

#!/bin/bash
DIR=./files
box_set -r -u username "$DIR"

Related Commands

chmod
chown
chgrp
stat
find