How to Use the Ruby Fileutils Module
![](https://plantpot.works/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/8026.png)
Contents
In this article, you will learn how to use the Ruby Fileutils module.
Using the Ruby Fileutils module
The Ruby FileUtils module provides a set of file utility methods that allow you to manipulate files and directories easily. Here are some ways to use the FileUtils module:
Creating a directory
You can create a new directory using the mkdir method:
require 'fileutils'
FileUtils.mkdir('new_directory')
Copying files
You can copy files from one location to another using the cp method:
FileUtils.cp('source_file', 'destination_file')
You can also copy a directory and all its contents recursively using the cp_r method:
FileUtils.cp_r('source_directory', 'destination_directory')
Moving or renaming files
You can move or rename files using the mv method:
FileUtils.mv('old_name', 'new_name')
You can also move a directory and all its contents recursively using the mv method:
FileUtils.mv('old_directory', 'new_directory')
Removing files or directories
You can delete files using the rm method:
FileUtils.rm('file_to_delete')
You can also delete a directory and all its contents recursively using the rm_r method:
FileUtils.rm_r('directory_to_delete')
Changing file permissions
You can change the permissions of a file using the chmod method:
FileUtils.chmod(0644, 'file_to_change_permissions')
This will set the file’s permissions to rw-r–r–.
Creating a symlink
You can create a symbolic link to a file or directory using the ln_s method:
FileUtils.ln_s('source_file', 'symbolic_link')
Archiving and unarchiving files
You can create a tar archive of a directory using the tar method:
FileUtils.tar('archive.tar', 'directory_to_archive')
You can also extract the contents of a tar archive using the tar_extract method:
FileUtils.tar_extract('archive.tar', 'destination_directory')
These are just some of the many methods available in the FileUtils module. By using this module, you can simplify your file and directory manipulation tasks in your Ruby programs.