Computerworld

Unix as a Second Language: The touch command

The Linux touch command allows users to create an empty file or update a file's data and time settings.

The Linux touch command allows users to create an empty file or update a file's data and time settings.

You might want to do this if you need to be sure that a file exists before a script or process begins. The command can also be used to set the date and time to match those of another file.

Watch this Two-minute Linux Tip video by Sandra Henry-Stocker to learn more.