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Glob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glob

[ɡlɑb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

file management

A glob is a wildcard pattern used to match file paths and names in a file system. It enables users to search for files that meet specified criteria without typing the exact file name. Common symbols used in glob patterns include the asterisk (*) for any string of characters and the question mark (?) for a single character. Globbing is widely utilized in command-line interfaces and programming to simplify file operations.

Synonyms

mask, pattern, wildcard.

Examples of usage

  • ls *.txt
  • cp dir/* ./backup/
  • rm file?.pdf
Context #2 | Verb

file management

To glob means to use wildcard patterns to match filenames or directories in a file system. This action allows users to select a number of files based on common characteristics without needing to specify each one individually. Globbing is particularly useful when performing batch operations, such as copying or deleting files. It often involves the use of specific symbols that define the search criteria.

Synonyms

filter, match, select.

Examples of usage

  • We can glob all images with '*.jpg'
  • The script globs all necessary files before execution.
  • Make sure to glob files correctly to avoid errors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'glob'

The term 'glob' originated in the context of computing and file management during the 1970s. It is derived from the word 'global' and was initially used in Unix systems to describe a pattern matching mechanism for file names. The process of globbing involves using special characters to represent different possibilities, allowing users to easily reference multiple files without specifying each one. Over the years, glob has become widely used across various programming languages and command-line interfaces, becoming an essential tool in file manipulation and searching. Its simplicity and effectiveness made it a popular choice for developers and system administrators alike.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,683 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.