how to check arrival of a file using script?

[lutech]

Is there any way to check arrival of a file using script?
I have to check a specific directory to process any file arrived in, My problem is how can I know the file is on transfer? How to make sure the file is completely transferred?

Thanks in advance,

 

[KenCunningham]

One of the easiest ways of doing this might be to include in the script carrying out the transfer a mv at the end to rename the file to it's 'proper' name, which your monitoring script can then test for. For example, send the file over with a name such as 'incomplete' and rename incomplete to 'complete' as the final action of the transfer script. HTH.

 

[byk]

One of the ways to do these things are :

i) Add the script as a cron job in the crontab file. This will activate the script after a fixed amount of time (as entered by user).
ii)Along with the script, maintain a data file.
iii) The script logic:

1) Each time script is run, it will check the directory ( with ll (longlisting)for example)
2) For each such file ( use "for&quot
{
Get the size of file by using "cut -f"
If file_name present in datafile
compare the size obtained now and that in data file
If ( size are same ) // denotes that transfer is complete
do processing
move or delete the file
Else
Make an entry for the file and its size in the data file. //New file
}


Let me know, if you want me to write the actual script.

CHeers
byk

 

[vikramkalsi]

Another way to ensure that the file has completely arrived can be to FTP another file (a small file with just 1 char will also do) after the Actual file and keep checking for the existence of this file - as soon as this file is detected we know that the 1st FTP must be over. Then delete the small file and move the Actual file to another location. -Vikram Kalsi
----------------------------------------------
We learn most when we have to invent - Piaget

 

[byk]

If I am not wrong, then it will be a little difficult I feel.
Reasons :
1) We will have to modify the other code which would not be possible
if that code is not ours.
2)Suppose the other program FTPes a file, then the small marker file and then immediately starts sending another data file. Our code will find the marker and think that both the FTPs are complete.
3) Can be a few more problematic combinations like the one above.

Suggestions are invited.

CHeers
byk