unix file timestamp

[Chris Baugh]

when listing a files details using ls -l, for example, the timestamp displayed depends on how old the file is (ie. if it's > 6 monthsd old, the year is displayed, without the time element).

Is there any way I can list the timestamp consistently, regardless of the age of the file. I want to retain the timestamp, to use in the 'touch' command later, to restamp the file modification time, after changing details within the file.

[KapilRaj]

There is no direct way but you can have a look at my comments in the following thread which will do the job

http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=548894

Regds,

Kaps

[Chris Baugh]

Thanks for that. Only problem is that it doesn't go down to time level, which is really what I'm after. I guess this isn't possible for the files older than 6 months.

[Bruno Ganino]

Read (options and Variables)
http://h30097.www3.hp.com/docs/base_doc/DOCUMENTATION/V40G_HTML/MAN/MAN1/0202____.HTM
HTH
Bruno

[Jdamian · Accepted solution]

Have you tried the -r option of 'touch' command ?

For instance, you need to preserve the timestamp of 'myfile':

touch -r myfile myfile.ts

Then 'myfile.ts' is empty (presuming it didn't exist before) and its timestamp is one you need to preserve. Later, you must use 'myfile.ts' as timestamp source to other files:

touch -r myfile.ts yourfile