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Asked: 2026-05-22T13:09:05+00:00

I’m very new to Applescript but have used other scripting languages over the last

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I’m very new to Applescript but have used other scripting languages over the last five years. I wrote a quick script that deletes some files/directories based upon file name matches and modification date. I did also test it a few times but I’m now under the impression that it is either badly written or dangerous, in the sense that it may delete more than necessary.

If you’re a pro scripter, can you please tell me if there’s anything wrong with my script? Is it unsafe? I’ve been led to believe that after speaking to a colleague who believes it’s done some ‘damage’.

Here’s the script:

set my_path to "Macintosh HD:Users:infmz:Backups"
    tell application "Finder"
        delete (every item of folder my_path whose modification date is less than ((get current date) - 4 * days) and name contains "backup_id")
        empty trash
    end tell

Specifically, I am trying to delete backup folders that are older than three days. All such folders contain the string “backup_id” in their names.

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1 Answer

  1. Editorial Team

    If this is the entirety of the script, then I would say the one “unsafe” item that really jumps out to me is that you are not parsing the folder path to ensure the script isn’t being directed to a vital folder, like “Macintosh HD:System:” or “Macintosh HD:Library:”.

    The other thing is that I don’t think the script does a good enough job parsing files before deleting. This is more a matter of approach, but if it were me, I would generate a list of initial target files first (see “Get full directory contents with AppleScript”), and then parse that list for actual targets for deletion.

    Also, I would generate a log of actions taken and remove the “empty trash” command to allow the user a chance to double-check the actions of the script before final deletion.

    It would be helpful to describe what damage was observed by the other user.

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