Скачать или смотреть Create a Recursive File List with md5sum in Linux and Output to CSV

Learn how to easily generate a full file list with `md5sum` in Linux through a recursive approach and output it in CSV format for better data management.
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How to Create a Recursive File List with md5sum in Linux and Output to CSV

If you’re working with large directories in Linux and need a comprehensive overview of the files contained within, having a recursive file listing is essential. The task might seem daunting, especially when you want detailed information about each file, including its MD5 checksum, file size, created and modified dates. Luckily, with a few simple commands and a little scripting, you can generate precisely what you need.

The Problem at Hand

You want to create a detailed list of files in a directory and its subdirectories for better tracking and management. Specifically, you need the output in a CSV format with the following attributes for each file:

File Name

File Path

File Size (bytes)

Created Date Time (formatted as dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm:ss)

Modified Date Time (formatted as dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm:ss)

MD5 Checksum

Using the ls command might not give you the desired output, and that's where scripting comes in handy.

The Solution: A Bash Script

To achieve your goal, we will create a Bash script that will generate a CSV line for each file encountered. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to write and run this script.

Step 1: Create the Bash Script

Open your terminal.

Use a text editor to create a new script file. You can use nano, vim, or your preferred text editor. For example:

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Copy and paste the following script into your editor:

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Save and exit the editor (In nano, you can do this by pressing CTRL + X, Y, then Enter).

Step 2: Make the Script Executable

Before you can run the script, you need to ensure it’s executable. Run the following command:

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Step 3: Execute the Script Recursively

Now, navigate to the directory where you want to list the files. Use the find command to execute your script on all files in that directory and its subdirectories:

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Important Notes

File System Limitations: Be aware that the creation time may not be supported by all file systems. If the script doesn’t return creation timestamps, it’s likely a limitation of your system.

CSV Output: The results will be displayed in the terminal. To save this output to a CSV file, you can redirect the output like so:

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Conclusion

Generating a recursive file list with MD5 checksums in Linux is a straightforward process when using a bash script. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently gather essential information about your files in a structured CSV format. This approach not only simplifies data management but also empowers you to keep track of numerous files effortlessly.

Whether you are managing a small project or handling extensive data, this method offers a valuable solution.