tape

Control a tape driver (QNX)

Syntax:

tape [-n name] [-p n] 
     [backward|bot|eod|erase|forward|
      log|position|query|reset|retension|
      rewind|status|unload|version|
      writefm]...

Options:

-n name

Use this block special device.

-p n

An (optional) parameter for position, forward, backward and select.

backward

Move backward to the previous file mark (EOT side).

bot

Position to the beginning of the tape.

eod

Position the tape to the end of the data (perhaps to continue writing after a previous archive).

erase

Erase the contents of the tape.

forward

Position the tape to just after the next file mark.

log

Show a log of significant events.

position

Display current tape block number.

query

Print the status of the tape driver.

reset

Reset the tape controller. This option must be followed by status to clear the exception generated by the reset.

retension

Position the tape to the beginning, then to the end, then back to the beginning.

rewind

Same as bot.

select

Changes tape density for next write (must be at BOM).

status

Print information concerning the current condition of the tape drive.

unload

Unload tape or eject cartridge.

version

Print version information for the current driver.

writefm

Write a file mark at the current position.

Description:

The tape utility provides a mechanism for positioning a mounted tape to a specific location in anticipation of being read from or written to by another utility (e.g. pax). You can also use tape to examine the current status of the tape unit or driver, or both.

Examples:

Position the currently mounted tape such that data may be appended after previously written archives:

    tape eod

Position the tape such that the third archive on the tape may be read:

    tape bot forward forward

Position the tape such that the first archive may be read:

    tape bot

Exit status:

0

The command(s) completed successfully.

>0

The utility aborted after encountering the first error.

See also:

cpio, pax, tar