How to Use `czkawka-cli` Command (with examples)

czkawka-cli is the command-line version of czkawka, a versatile tool designed to handle a multitude of file management tasks with a particular focus on identifying and managing duplicate files and images. It offers a powerful, user-friendly way to declutter your file system by finding duplicate files, empty folders, similar images, and more. For anyone dealing with vast amounts of data across different directories, czkawka-cli is an indispensable tool.

Use Case 1: List Duplicate or Similar Files in Specific Directories

Code:

czkawka-cli dup|image --directories path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...

Motivation:

One of the most common problems users face is dealing with duplicate files scattered across multiple directories. Over time, duplicate files accumulate due to repeated downloads, backups, or improper file management, consuming valuable storage space and making file management cumbersome. Identifying and listing these duplicates or similar files is the first crucial step towards cleaning and organizing one’s digital workspace.

Explanation:

• czkawka-cli: Initiates the command-line interface for czkawka.
• dup|image: The argument here specifies the type of search. dup is used for identifying duplicate files, while image is for finding visually similar images. This flexibility allows users to target the specific types of files they’re concerned about.
• --directories: This flag tells czkawka-cli that the following paths are the directories in which it should perform its search. It sets the scope for where the command should look for duplicates or similar files.
• path/to/directory1, path/to/directory2, etc.: These are placeholders for the actual paths to the directories you want to analyze. You can specify as many directories as you’d like, enabling a comprehensive scan of your file system.

Example Output:

Found 3 duplicate groups:
1. /path/to/directory1/file1.mp3
   /path/to/directory2/file1_copy.mp3
   
2. /path/to/directory1/image1.jpg
   /path/to/directory2/image1_duplicate.jpg

3. /path/to/directory1/document1.txt
   /path/to/directory2/document1_copy.txt

Use Case 2: Find Duplicate Files in Specific Directories and Delete Them

Code:

czkawka-cli dup --directories path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ... --delete-method AEN|AEO|ON|OO|HARD|NONE

Motivation:

After identifying duplicate files, the logical next step is to remove them to free up space and reduce clutter. However, deleting files requires careful consideration to avoid accidental loss of important data. czkawka-cli offers several delete methods, giving users the flexibility to choose how duplicates are handled based on their confidence level and specific needs.

Explanation:

• czkawka-cli: Calls the command-line utility for czkawka.
• dup: This specifies that the command should focus on duplicate files as the primary concern here is to manage identical files across directories.
• --directories: Indicates that the command will target specific directories for its operation, ensuring you have control over where deletions occur.
• path/to/directory1, path/to/directory2, etc.: These represent the actual directories where the tool will search for duplicates. It is essential to specify all relevant directories to ensure a comprehensive scan.
• --delete-method: Defines the method by which duplicates will be removed. Options include:
  • AEN (All Except Newest)
  • AEO (All Except Oldest)
  • ON (Only Newest)
  • OO (Only Oldest)
  • HARD (Permanently delete without storing in trash)
  • NONE (Default, no deletion will occur, useful for dry runs) This versatility allows users to tailor the cleaning process to their specific preferences, ensuring important files are not unintentionally lost.

Example Output:

Deleted 3 duplicate groups using method AEN:
1. Deleted /path/to/directory2/file1_copy.mp3
2. Deleted /path/to/directory2/image1_duplicate.jpg
3. Deleted /path/to/directory2/document1_copy.txt

Total space recovered: 500MB

Conclusion

The czkawka-cli command-line tool provides a robust and flexible solution for managing duplicate files across various directories. By allowing users to find, list, and delete duplicates, this tool helps optimize storage usage and streamline file organization. Whether you’re focused on cleaning up unnecessary file clutter or ensuring your directory structure is organized efficiently, czkawka-cli is a valuable asset in any user’s digital toolkit.