bkp

bkp is a command-line backup utility that creates numbered copies of files and directories. When backing up a file or directory, it automatically appends sequential numbers (.b01, .b02, etc.) to avoid overwriting existing backups. The tool supports both simple file copying and TAR archive creation.

The utility operates by creating backups in the same directory as the source files, regardless of the current working directory. It can process multiple files in a single command and provides restoration functionality to recover files from their numbered backups. When using the archive mode (-a flag), bkp can embed metadata including author information, creation timestamps, and commit messages within TAR files.

Designed for developers and system administrators who need lightweight backup functionality, bkp integrates with standard shell workflows and supports interactive message editing through vi or custom EDITOR configurations. The tool requires Python 3.6+ and has been tested primarily on Linux systems.

Installation

# via pip
pip install bkp