How to use the command 'setfile' (with examples)

The ‘setfile’ command is used to set file attributes on files in an HFS+ directory in macOS. It allows users to modify the creation date, modification date, or both for specific files. This command can be useful in cases where the file attributes need to be updated or corrected.

Use case 1: Set creation date for specific files

Code:

setfile -d "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS" path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation: The motivation for using this example is to update the creation date of specific files. This can be useful when migrating files from one system to another, or when the original creation date of the files is incorrect.

Explanation:

• setfile: The command used to set file attributes.
• -d "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS": The option to specify the desired creation date. The date and time should be in the format mentioned.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: The paths of the files for which the creation date needs to be set.

Example output:

Setting creation date to 01/01/2022 12:00:00 for file1...
Setting creation date to 01/01/2022 12:00:00 for file2...

Use case 2: Set modification date for specific files

Code:

setfile -m "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS" path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation: The motivation for using this example is to update the modification date of specific files. This can be useful when the files have been modified but the modification date is incorrect or needs to be synchronized with other files.

Explanation:

• setfile: The command used to set file attributes.
• -m "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS": The option to specify the desired modification date. The date and time should be in the format mentioned.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: The paths of the files for which the modification date needs to be set.

Example output:

Setting modification date to 01/01/2022 12:00:00 for file1...
Setting modification date to 01/01/2022 12:00:00 for file2...

Use case 3: Set modification date for symlink file

Code:

setfile -P -m "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS" path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation: The motivation for using this example is to update the modification date of symlink files. It sets the modification date for the symlink file itself, not the linked file. This can be useful when managing symbolic links and tracking modification dates.

Explanation:

• setfile: The command used to set file attributes.
• -P: The option to set the modification date for the symlink file itself. Without this option, the modification date would be set for the linked file instead.
• -m "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS": The option to specify the desired modification date. The date and time should be in the format mentioned.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: The paths of the symlink files for which the modification date needs to be set.

Example output:

Setting modification date to 01/01/2022 12:00:00 for symlink1...
Setting modification date to 01/01/2022 12:00:00 for symlink2...

Conclusion:

The ‘setfile’ command in macOS provides a convenient way to modify file attributes, specifically the creation date and modification date. By using the different options available, users can update these attributes for specific files or symlink files. This can be useful for managing file dates, correcting incorrect dates, or synchronizing dates among files.