More backup options

[bniemerg]

I was wondering if there was the ability for the automatic backup option to keep multiple backup copies instead on overwriting the same copy each time.

Something like an option to keep the latest X number of backup files or a way for us to append a timestamp to the filename (similar to the Append .BAK option)

Other than that I'd like to say thanks for providing such a great editor. I was a dedicated Brief user and I was heartbroken when I had to shelf it, but after using Zeus I don't think I could ever go back.

Thanks again.

Brent

[jussij]

Hi Brent,

Something like an option to keep the latest X number of backup files

This feature has been asked for before, but to date I haven't been able to think of a easy way to implement it.

I'm open to any suggestions

or a way for us to append a timestamp to the filename (similar to the Append .BAK option)

This is very easy to implement, but would you really want the backup folder getting filled by tens of thousands of files. I guess these days disk space is very cheap so it probably isn't an issue

I was a dedicated Brief user and I was heartbroken when I had to shelf it, but after using Zeus I don't think I could ever go back.

I too am a die hard Brief user. I can't work without the Brief keyboard mapping turn on and the Num Lock turned off

Cheers Jussi

[mgag]

The script I wrote in the script section should fit the requirement. It takes a snapshot of all the open files and archives them in a zip file by date. Windows explorer can understand the contents of the zip file (see link to the zip program). Check it out in the script section. The script doesn't remove old backups, that house keeping would need to be done manually.

[bniemerg]

jussij: This is the easiest way I can think of to implement an option like this and forgive me if it seems primitive, I'm a COBOL programmer

- Inquire the backup directory for the count of backups for file being saved
- if count is equal to the max number of backups: remove the oldest backup file
- prefix the filename with a datetime stamp and save the new backup

Probably not the fastest option, definitely not the most sophisticated.

mgag: Thanks for the info and the script. I'll give it a whirl, but I would really like something more automated. Is it possible to attach a macro to the save file process?

[mgag]

I think Jussi is considering call backs to certain functions, or has that implemented. But I am not familiar.

To make it more automated, attach the macro to an icon and put it in the menu bar, then it is just a push button away to invoke. The discussion in the script section describes that process.

I could add the logic required to remove older backup files.

[mgag]

Also, instead of using zip, I could put the files in a timestamped directory... I like the notion of keeping the files together, that way you preserve the state relationship between the files. And ZIPing them saves space and makes it easier to send to another person.

[jussij]

I think Jussi is considering call backs to certain functions, or has that implemented. But I am not familiar.

You are referring to the Zeus triggers: http://www.zeusedit.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1770

So mgag's suggestion is a very good one because it should be posible to hook his script into the Zeus file save trigger which would make his backup fully automatic

Cheers Jussi

[mgag]

This macro has been updated to not require Zip.exe and use timestamped sub-directories of your backup location (defaulting to ../Zeus/zbackup).

[jussij]

I was wondering if there was the ability for the automatic backup option to keep multiple backup copies instead on overwriting the same copy each time.

While a fully cyclic backup option is not currently possible, it is possible to implement some sort of cyclic backup.

What you need to do is the following:

Step 1: Create the following backup folder (i.e. one folder per day)structure:

Code: Select all

c:\program files\zeus\zBackup\01\
c:\program files\zeus\zBackup\02\
c:\program files\zeus\zBackup\03\
.....
.....
.....
c:\program files\zeus\zBackup\30\
c:\program files\zeus\zBackup\31\

Step 2: Use the Options, Editor Options menu and in the Backup section set the alternative backup folder entry field enter this value:

Code: Select all

c:\Program Files\Zeus\zBackup\$DT<dd>

Using this setup you will have a revolving 31 day backup cycle.

This will work with the current version.

In the next version due out shortly there will be no need to create the folder structure as the folders will be created automatically.

Cheers Jussi