Genfile (GNU tar 1.35)

## Appendix F Genfile

This appendix describes `genfile`, an auxiliary program used in the GNU tar testsuite. If you are not interested in developing GNU tar, skip this appendix.

Initially, `genfile` was used to generate data files for the testsuite, hence its name. However, new operation modes were being implemented as the testsuite grew more sophisticated, and now `genfile` is a multi-purpose instrument.

There are four basic operation modes:

File Generation

  This is the default mode. In this mode, `genfile` generates data files.

File Status

  In this mode `genfile` displays status of specified files.

Set File Time

  Set last access and modification times of files given in the command line.

Synchronous Execution.

  In this mode `genfile` executes the given program with `--checkpoint` option and executes a set of actions when specified checkpoints are reached.