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

Trashy is a command-line utility written in Rust that provides a safer alternative to the traditional rm command. Unlike rm, which permanently deletes files from the filesystem, Trashy moves them to a designated trash location, protecting against accidental data loss. It offers additional features akin to trash-cli, such as listing, restoring, and permanently deleting trashed files, all with an efficient and user-friendly interface.

Use case 1: Move a specific file to the trash

Code:

trash path/to/file

Motivation:

This use case is valuable for users who wish to remove a file temporarily without permanently deleting it. By moving the file to the trash, users retain the option to restore it later if needed, reducing the likelihood of accidental data loss.

Explanation:

• trash: This is the command that initiates the Trashy tool.
• path/to/file: This argument specifies the exact file path that the user intends to move to the trash. It represents the file the user wants to remove temporarily.

Example Output:

The file 'file' has been moved to the trash.

Use case 2: Move specific files to the trash

Code:

trash path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation:

This functionality is crucial for batch file management. When handling multiple files that need temporary removal, executing a single command saves time and reduces repetitive tasks, thereby improving efficiency.

Explanation:

• trash: The command to use the Trashy utility.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: These arguments inform Trashy of each file’s path that should be moved to the trash. Multiple file paths can be specified, separated by spaces, allowing users to trash several files in one action.

Example Output:

The files 'file1', 'file2', ... have been moved to the trash.

Use case 3: List items in the trash

Code:

trash list

Motivation:

Listing items in the trash provides a quick overview of what files have been temporarily moved. This can help in managing trashed items, identifying files for restoration, or confirming that certain files are indeed in the trash.

Explanation:

• trash: The command that accesses Trashy.
• list: This command option queries the trash location and displays all items currently stored there.

Example Output:

Current items in trash:
- file1
- file2

Use case 4: Restore a specific file from the trash

Code:

trash restore file

Motivation:

The ability to restore files from the trash is indispensable when files have been accidentally trashed or need to be used again. It grants users the flexibility to reverse their previous actions easily.

Explanation:

• trash: This calls the Trashy utility.
• restore: This option triggers the restoration process.
• file: It represents the name of the file to be restored to its original location.

Example Output:

The file 'file' has been restored from the trash.

Use case 5: Remove a specific file from the trash

Code:

trash empty file

Motivation:

Sometimes, users may want to permanently delete a specific item from the trash to free up space or eliminate unnecessary clutter. This command provides a targeted approach for such actions.

Explanation:

• trash: This is the Trashy tool in action.
• empty file: This combination signifies the command to permanently remove a specific file from the trash.

Example Output:

The file 'file' has been permanently deleted from the trash.

Use case 6: Restore all files from the trash

Code:

trash restore --all

Motivation:

Restoring all files at once is beneficial when a user decides that none of the trashed files should have been removed. It saves the user from restoring each file individually, streamlining the recovery process.

Explanation:

• trash: Invokes the Trashy command-line tool.
• restore --all: This option restores all files currently in the trash back to their original locations.

Example Output:

All files have been restored from the trash.

Use case 7: Remove all files from the trash

Code:

trash empty --all

Motivation:

When a user is confident that all trashed files are no longer needed, clearing the entire trash at once saves time and ensures a clean slate without manually deleting each file.

Explanation:

• trash: Refers to the Trashy utility.
• empty --all: Specifies the command and option to delete all items currently in the trash permanently.

Example Output:

All files have been permanently deleted from the trash.

Conclusion:

Trashy is a multifunctional and efficient tool that enhances file management in a Unix-like environment. By enabling temporary removal and easy restoration of files, it acts as a safety net for file operations, reducing the risk of permanent deletions. Its various use cases—from single file management to batch operations and entire trash administration—demonstrate its flexibility and robustness for everyday file handling needs.