"I accidentally overwrote an important file..."
"I wish I could monitor a folder and back it up automatically..."
Do you have such concerns?
In fact, if you use Python,A script that automatically detects changes in a folder and makes a backup.can be easily made.
In this article,Expressions that even elementary school students can understand and actual code examplesWith a mix of
We will carefully explain how to create an automatic backup tool by monitoring folders.
Those who want to prevent work mistakes, those who want to improve efficiency, and those who want to create practical tools using Python.This is the perfect content for you.
- What is automatic backup? [What is an automatic backup script?]
- How to monitor a folder with Python [Python Folder Monitoring Method]
- Implementing an automatic backup script [Python automatic backup code]
- How to improve backup processing [Python backup saving method]
- Key points for automatic execution and operation [Backup automation schedule]
- Examples of practical and study applications [Python backup applications]
- Summary: The benefits of automating backups [Effects of automatic backup scripts]
What is automatic backup? [What is an automatic backup script?]
What can you do with folder monitoring?
Conclusion: It can detect changes in a specific folder and automatically copy and save them.
The following operations are possible using the folder monitoring function:
• Copy new files when they are created
• When a file is updated, save it to a backup folder
• Log deleted files
These processesAutomated scriptIf you create it in Python,
You will never forget to back up your data every day.
Why backups are important
Bottom line: once data is lost, it basically cannot be recovered.
The importance of backups is also emphasized by many public organizations.
For example, there are the following cases.
👉 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, "Disaster Prevention Measures for Government Agencies" - "Information Asset Protection"
Without a backup,
• Losing important documents due to computer failure
• Children's growth records and family photos disappear
• The code you are working on does not return
such asAn irreversible situationleads to.
How to monitor a folder with Python [Python Folder Monitoring Method]
Libraries and preparations required for monitoring
Conclusion: Monitoring can be easily achieved by using a library called "watchdog".
First, install the required libraries:
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The watchdog can detect changes such as:
• File creation (created)
• File changed (edited)
• File deleted (deleted)
• File moved (location changed)
The task of detecting these changes and taking action isBasic structure of a backup scriptis.
Recommended implementation methods for beginners
Conclusion: Use a combination of "Observer" and "EventHandler".
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This will cause theLog and processcan.
Implementing an automatic backup script [Python automatic backup code]
Understanding the overall structure of a script
Conclusion: The configuration consists of three steps: monitor → detect → copy.
• Step 1: Specify the folder to be monitored
• Step 2: Detect changes
• Step 3: Copy the changed files to another location
By doing this,Automate backups without humans even noticingcan.
Check the actual code
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Now,Backups are made only when changes occur within the folder.It will look like this.
How to improve backup processing [Python backup saving method]
How to manage save destinations, file names, and generations
Bottom line: Including the time or date in your file names helps keep you organized.
The following methods are effective:
• Name it like this: report_20240601_1500.txt
• Identify files by time so that they are not overwritten even if they are the same file.
• Separate the saved folders by year and month
This means:You can see at a glance when the data is from, making it easy to searchIt will be.
Compression and output to a folder with date and time stamps are also possible.
Bottom line: using 'zipfile' or 'os.makedirs' is more practical.
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You can also create folders by date and time to make management easier.
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Key points for automatic execution and operation [Backup automation schedule]
How to use resident execution and task scheduler
Conclusion: Integrate it with OS functions so you don't have to start it manually every time.
Windows:
• Register .py from "Task Scheduler"
• Can be set to run automatically at startup
macOS/Linux:
• Register it in crontab and run it in the background
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This means:The script will run automatically every time you start your computer.
Folder structure and log management
Conclusion: keep output files and logs separate.
• backup/: The actual backup files
• log/backup.log: History of backup execution
An example of a log entry:
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Examples of practical and study applications [Python backup applications]
How to use it in education and business
Conclusion: Effective for protecting important documents and work logs.
• School: Automatically save assignments and materials
• Corporate: Backup of minutes and reports
• Freelance: Duplicate storage of client-facing materials
It's too late once an accident occurs.
That's why it's important to be prepared on a regular basis.
List of practical feature addition ideas
• LINE notification of folder changes
• Integration with Dropbox/Google Drive
• Backup completion notification by email
• File content difference comparison log
Trying out these ideas,Improve your Python skills and practical abilities at the same timeYou can.
👉 Related articles:I tried making a "PDF automatic generation tool" with Python [Automating report creation]
Summary: The benefits of automating backups [Effects of automatic backup scripts]
• In PythonReal-time monitoring of folder changes and automatic backupYou will be able to get
• Protect yourself from everyday mistakes and data loss
• The script is simple,Highly effective in real life and workHave
Python will keep your important files safe.
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