Mimic the Calibre Export Library using CLI

Kevan · 06-13-2020, 06:52 AM

Hi,

Is it possible to mimic the Calibre Export Library option from the command line?
I'd like to build a batch file that export the library and plug-ins to a local drive & then use another program to copy them to my backup device.

I've used the export library option to copy my library to a new pc and it works just fine, so seems to be the best "belt & braces" backup solution - unless others think there are better options.

Always open to suggestions.

Thank you in advance,

Kevan

kovidgoyal · 06-13-2020, 07:07 AM

calibre-debug --export-all-calibre-data

BetterRed · 06-13-2020, 06:53 PM

@Kevan - calibre's export/import feature was designed to migrate calibre data between computers, including between computers using different operating/file system platforms - e.g. MacOS/HFS+ to Windows/NTFS.

IMO a better backup solution is to use a file synchronisation tool to maintain a replica copy of the data (aka as a mirror or incremental backup) ==>> Comparison of file synchronization software

Advantages are:

Speed, after the initial use only the files that have changed since last use are copied, which promotes frequent backups - e.g daily;
Non proprietary, the backup copy is exactly the same as the original, hence:
- the same programs can be used on the backup data as are used on the original,
- individual items can be judiciously restored, e.g. if you inadvertently lose or overwrite a cover you can restore the cover (and only the cover) you had from backup,
- special tools not needed to restore datasets - e.g. a calibre library or configuration folder, music album, last years holiday snaps etc; just use the OS file management tool (File Explorer, Finder, Nautilus etc).

BR

Kevan · 06-15-2020, 09:42 AM

Dear Kovid and BetterRed,

Thank you both for your prompt replies.

BetterRed - I do actually do a daily file sync. as well. (As I say I like belt & braces) but your reply has me thinking about the best software to use.

I'm about to invest in a switch and have a small home network which gives me the opportunity for a NAS or at least some form of network storage, so I think I'll review my sync. software - Thanks.

BetterRed · 06-15-2020, 06:44 PM

@Kevan - I've used Goodsync for 10+ years. I sync daily to a local USB3 disk dock, and weekly to a commercial FTP service.

FreeFileSync is used by quite a few calibre users to sync locally and/or to services such as Dropbox, OneDrive etc. Today, I'd probably go with FFS if I were making the decision I made 10-12 years ago.

BR

06-13-2020, 06:52 AM	#1
Kevan Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: Kobo Aura	Mimic the Calibre Export Library using CLI Hi, Is it possible to mimic the Calibre Export Library option from the command line? I'd like to build a batch file that export the library and plug-ins to a local drive & then use another program to copy them to my backup device. I've used the export library option to copy my library to a new pc and it works just fine, so seems to be the best "belt & braces" backup solution - unless others think there are better options. Always open to suggestions. Thank you in advance, Kevan

06-13-2020, 06:53 PM	#3
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 20,567 Karma: 26954694 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	@Kevan - calibre's export/import feature was designed to migrate calibre data between computers, including between computers using different operating/file system platforms - e.g. MacOS/HFS+ to Windows/NTFS. IMO a better backup solution is to use a file synchronisation tool to maintain a replica copy of the data (aka as a mirror or incremental backup) ==>> Comparison of file synchronization software Advantages are: Speed, after the initial use only the files that have changed since last use are copied, which promotes frequent backups - e.g daily; Non proprietary, the backup copy is exactly the same as the original, hence: the same programs can be used on the backup data as are used on the original, individual items can be judiciously restored, e.g. if you inadvertently lose or overwrite a cover you can restore the cover (and only the cover) you had from backup, special tools not needed to restore datasets - e.g. a calibre library or configuration folder, music album, last years holiday snaps etc; just use the OS file management tool (File Explorer, Finder, Nautilus etc). BR Last edited by BetterRed; 06-13-2020 at 06:55 PM.

06-15-2020, 09:42 AM	#4
Kevan Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: Kobo Aura	Thanks to Both Dear Kovid and BetterRed, Thank you both for your prompt replies. BetterRed - I do actually do a daily file sync. as well. (As I say I like belt & braces) but your reply has me thinking about the best software to use. I'm about to invest in a switch and have a small home network which gives me the opportunity for a NAS or at least some form of network storage, so I think I'll review my sync. software - Thanks.

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06-13-2020, 07:07 AM	#2
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 43,856 Karma: 22666666 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	calibre-debug --export-all-calibre-data

06-15-2020, 06:44 PM	#5
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 20,567 Karma: 26954694 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	@Kevan - I've used Goodsync for 10+ years. I sync daily to a local USB3 disk dock, and weekly to a commercial FTP service. FreeFileSync is used by quite a few calibre users to sync locally and/or to services such as Dropbox, OneDrive etc. Today, I'd probably go with FFS if I were making the decision I made 10-12 years ago. BR

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