linux4noobs

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linux4noobs

Noob Friendly, Expert Enabling

Whether you're a seasoned pro or the noobiest of noobs, you've found the right place for Linux support and information. With a dedication to supporting free and open source software, this community aims to ensure Linux fits your needs and works for you. From troubleshooting to tutorials, practical tips, news and more, all aspects of Linux are warmly welcomed. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals driving Linux's ongoing evolution.

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PlutoParty

Editing config files safely (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/linux4noobs

12 comments fedilink hide all child comments

You can backup your config files before editing them, like this:

cp configbeingedited.conf configbeingedited.conf__orig_datestring

This way, when things break or don't function how you like, you can easily copy the original config file back into position, restoring the original functionality.

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[–] ndotb 4 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Go ahead and graduate to etckeeper if you're targeting /etc

[–] astral_avocado 4 points 1 year ago

Never knew about this tool, good to know!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I tend to make a .bak file before changes. There is nothing worse than fixing one config item only to realize later something else broke and not being sure what it was that changed and no easy way to revert. I'm guilty of having many .bak configs that are poorly named. I hadn't heard of etckeeper before. That looks real handy for me. Thanks for sharing

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

A good tip for setting up a tool to automate this process.