pythonmacosfilesystemsapfs

How to clone files with Python?

Using bash on macos I can create COW file clones with cp -c. Is there a Python library that provides the same functionality? The copy functions in shutil doesn't seem to mention cloning.

On APFS clones: https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/FileManagement/Conceptual/APFS_Guide/Features/Features.html

On BSD clonefile: http://www.manpagez.com/man/2/clonefile/

Solution

  • The Python standard library does not support cloning files.

    To clone a file using cp -c in a subprocess you can use this function:

    def clonefile(source, dest):
    subprocess.check_output(["cp", "-c", source, dest])