# File Operation Patterns

> Safe file operation patterns. Use when performing bulk file operations or writing deployment scripts.

- Skill: `tibsfox/file-operation-patterns` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tibsfox/file-operation-patterns`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tibsfox/file-operation-patterns/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: Tibsfox (https://skillmd.com/u/tibsfox)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tibsfox/file-operation-patterns

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# File Operation Patterns

## Safe Patterns

```bash
# Create directory tree (idempotent)
mkdir -p path/to/nested/dir

# Copy preserving permissions
cp -rp src/ dst/

# Atomic write (prevents partial reads)
tmpfile=$(mktemp "${target}.XXXXXX")
echo "$content" > "$tmpfile"
mv "$tmpfile" "$target"

# Safe deletion (guard variables)
[ -n "$DIR" ] && [ "$DIR" != "/" ] && rm -rf "$DIR"

# Incremental sync
rsync -av src/ dst/
```

## Anti-Patterns

| Don't | Do |
|-------|------|
| `rm -rf $DIR` unguarded | Guard with `[ -n "$DIR" ]` |
| Write directly to target | Write to temp, then `mv` |
| Assume dir exists | `mkdir -p` first |
| Ignore permissions | `cp -p` or explicit `chmod` |