List Newest Source Files Before Backup

You need a timestamp-sorted view of source files before comparing backups.

Command

find source -type f -printf '%TY-%Tm-%Td %TH:%TM %p\n' | sort

Before you run this

System impact: Read-only. Can create load on large logs, directories, filesystems, or process tables.

When not to use it: Do not use it as proof that backup contents match; pair it with checksums or rsync dry runs.

Expected output

A sorted list of source files with modification timestamps.

System impact

Read-only, can be slow. Nothing changes. The command reads file timestamps and paths.

Scope this to the smallest useful path or service on busy systems.

Recovery / rollback: no state is changed.

When to use it

Use before backup checks or when you need to understand recent source changes.

When not to use it

Do not use it as proof that backup contents match; pair it with checksums or rsync dry runs.

Explanation-only example

Illustrated output, not a live lab run

This example is intentionally illustrative. It shows the command shape without killing real processes or changing your machine.

demo@lab:~$

$ find source -type f -print | sort

source/app/config.yml
source/assets/logo.svg
source/content/about.md
source/content/index.md

$ find source -type f -printf '%TY-%Tm-%Td %TH:%TM %p\n' | sort

2026-06-25 12:10 source/content/index.md
2026-06-26 00:27 source/app/config.yml
2026-06-26 00:27 source/assets/logo.svg
2026-06-26 00:27 source/content/about.md

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