Linux "install" command for wildcard installation

Question

Is there a way to use "install" for installing multiple files at once using a "wildcard" pattern (and still have "install" create the leading directory hierarchy)?

I've tried several different ways:

• install -D -t /dest/path /source/path/*.py
• install -D -t /dest/path/ /source/path/*.py
• install -D /source/path/*.py /dest/path
• install -D /source/path/*.py /dest/path/

Please help... for each trial it takes a lot of time (I am using pbuilder to test my package each time).

Answer 1

Inserting the following to create the directory hierarchy prior to installing:

@install -d /dest/path

and then using:

@install -D /source/path/*.py /dest/path

to "install" all the files

Answer 2

Maybe use a simple outer for loop around the install call? So how about

for f in /source/path/*.py; do \
    install -D -t /dest/path $$f; \
done

That said, you can always take the logic out of your Makefile, debian/rules file, ... and test it standalone without having to run pbuilder.

Otherwise of course props for using pbuilder for internal projects!

Answer 3

man install shows that the DEST must be existing if copy multiple files.

... In the first three forms, copy SOURCE to DEST or multiple SOURCE(s) to the existing DIRECTORY, while setting permission modes and owner/group. In the 4th form, create all components of the given DIRECTORY(ies). ...