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Easy question - Comparing files/folders in linux
(sh.itjust.works)
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this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2026
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Easy question, hard answer.
If you want the easy answer: one new folder, look through everything you want to keep, and copy it to the new folder. Then delete the rest.
For a quick deuplication, fdupes will find exact duplicates. Read the man page, because there's a cache option you probably want to use.
If there are inexact duplicates, like photos or videos, use tools like czkawka.
+1 for czkawka, it was the only thing that worked for my lazy brain. It also works for exact duplicates.
No matter the method though, the way OP describes it it's still going to be a slog. At least it was for me when I was in a similar situation.