How to create a temporary storage directory that automatically deletes contents after X days (Mac)
Here's a quick way to have a directory that allows you to store files and other subdirectories for temporary usage. For example, I use this to save all my downloads and other files that I only need for the next day or two.
We first need to create a new cron job. If you're not familier with cron, it's basically instructions to the cron daemon of the general form: "run this command at this time on this date". (or for some light reading) We're going to use cron to run a command to move all the contents of a directory to the trash.
// from the terminal enter to create new crontab or open existing
crontab -e
// next press Esc+i to enter into "INSERT" mode which will allow you enter text
00 */2 * * * find /path/to/temp/ -mtime +1 -exec mv {} ~/.Trash ; >/dev/null 2>&1
// then save the crontab by pressing Esc, :, w, q (write & quit)
Now let's explain what's going on with the cron job.
| 00 | minutes (ie: 2:00,18:00) |
| */2 | every 2 hours |
| * * * | every hour, day of the month, day of the week |
| find /path/to/temp/ | finds all contents of directory |
| -mtime +1 | where the file's make time is X days more than current date |
| -exec mv {} | take all contents found from find comment and executes the mv (moves) command |
| ~/.Trash ; | users trash can (could be any directory though) |
| >/dev/null 2>&1 | suppresses any output from displaying (ie fulling up your users mailbox) |
Also, if you're looking for a quick way to add extra storage to your Macbook, checkout the Nifty Drives. This is what I use for my temporary storage.
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