TOUCH(1)                                                          TOUCH(1)


NAME

     touch - update modification date of existing file or create new file.


SYNOPSIS

     touch file1 [file2 ...]


DESCRIPTION

     touch checks each file in the argument list and processes each as follows:

          o  If the file exists, touch sets the modification time and date to
             the current time/date.  It also sets the backup-needed flag.

          o  If the file does not exist, it creates an empty text file of that
             name.  The file is unlocked, with the backup-needed flag set.

     Wildcard expansion is not supported outside of GNO/ME, which does its own.

     Invalid filenames cause touch to exit with return code -1, printing the
     offending filename before exitting.


CAVEATS

     The ORCA editor does not seem to like files with length 0.  It appears to
     attempt to re-create the file, which already exists and is open.  Use vi or
     echo " " > filename.  Otherwise, the file may be manipulated normally.


OTHER

     This program is Copyright 1993 by Leslie M. Barstow III.
     It may be distributed freely, provided this manpage accompanies it.
     touch uses routines from the ORCA libraries, Copyright by ByteWorks, Inc.