Backup Script is a lightweight Bash utility that automates the backup of files and directories by creating compressed, timestamped archives.
The project was developed as a practical Linux administration tool to demonstrate Bash scripting, file management, archive creation, and backup automation.
- 📦 Creates compressed
.tar.gzbackups - 🕒 Automatically appends timestamps to backup filenames
- 📁 Supports backing up any directory
- ⚡ Lightweight and easy to use
- 🐧 Compatible with most Linux distributions
- ⏰ Can be scheduled with
cronfor automated backups
backup-script/
├── backup.sh
├── backups/
└── README.md
Clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/Kachinonye/backup-script.gitMove into the project directory:
cd backup-scriptMake the script executable:
chmod +x backup.shBack up a directory:
./backup.sh /path/to/folderExample:
./backup.sh ~/DocumentsThe script creates a compressed archive similar to:
Documents_2026-06-29_143000.tar.gz
Backup archives are stored in the configured backup location with unique timestamped filenames, making it easy to retain multiple versions.
This project showcases practical experience with:
- Linux System Administration
- Bash Shell Scripting
- File System Management
- Archive Creation (
tar) - Compression (
gzip) - Automation
- Timestamp Generation
- Shell Variables
- Error Handling
- Technical Documentation
Ideal for:
- Linux System Administrators
- Junior DevOps Engineers
- Home Lab Users
- Students learning Linux administration
- Routine workstation backups
Future releases may include:
- Incremental backups
- Backup retention policy
- Automatic cleanup of old backups
- Configuration file support
- Restore mode
- Email notifications
- Compression level selection
- Progress indicator
- Logging and audit reports
Kachinonye Nmezi
Junior Linux Administrator | Bash Scripting & Automation Specialist
GitHub: https://github.com/Kachinonye
Licensed under the MIT License.