How to Remove Duplicate Backup Files with Python Scripts

Learn how to efficiently manage your backup files in Python by removing duplicate entries while keeping only the oldest backups per device.
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Removing Duplicate Backup Files with Python

Managing backup files can quickly become a challenging task, especially when dealing with a large number of configurations. In this guide, we will discuss how to automate the process of managing backup files in a directory by writing a Python script that retains only the oldest occurrence of each backup for specific devices.

The Problem

Example Directory Content

Here’s what the directory might contain before running your script:

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After the script runs, it will look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution

To accomplish this, we can break down our approach into smaller functions. Here's an efficient script that outlines each step clearly.

Step 1: Import Necessary Libraries

Start by importing the necessary modules:

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Step 2: Define Helper Functions

Function to Extract Device Name

We need a function to extract the device name from the filename.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Function to Group Files by Device

Next, let's group the files by device:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Function to Delete Newer Files

This function will keep only the oldest file for each device:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Main Execution Function

Finally, we need a main function to execute our script:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 4: Remove Older/Unused Files

For demonstration purposes, let’s create those files:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Putting it All Together

Here’s how you can execute the script:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Output

Upon executing the script, you will see the "before" and "after" states of your backup folders:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily manage and clean your backup files, ensuring that you keep only the necessary entries while preventing clutter. This approach leverages Python's built-in capabilities to group, filter, and delete files effectively, allowing for streamlined file management.

Make sure to adapt the code to suit your specific needs, especially when dealing with a larger number of devices!