[Boost-bugs] [Boost C++ Libraries] #8425: [filesystem][documentation] copy_file cannot overwrite executing binary

Subject: [Boost-bugs] [Boost C++ Libraries] #8425: [filesystem][documentation] copy_file cannot overwrite executing binary
From: Boost C++ Libraries (noreply_at_[hidden])
Date: 2013-04-10 10:33:32

#8425: [filesystem][documentation] copy_file cannot overwrite executing binary
----------------------------------------+-----------------------------------
 Reporter:  boost@…                     |       Owner:  bemandawes
     Type:  Bugs                        |      Status:  new       
Milestone:  To Be Determined            |   Component:  filesystem
  Version:  Boost 1.51.0                |    Severity:  Cosmetic  
 Keywords:  overwrite executable Linux  |  
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 If trying to copy a binary file over the currently executing program, then
 the ''copy_file'' call fails even though it has the
 ''overwrite_if_exists'' flag.

 Examining the code, this appears to be because ''copy_file_api'' (Linux)
 uses popen, thus attempts to write to the same file data as distinct from
 creating a new file node.

 The peculiar error "Text file busy: <binary>" is reported.

 Given that the Windows version would not (AFAIK) be able to achieve this
 anyway, I would say that this behaviour is "by design" but suggest a
 documentation update for ''copy_file''.

-- 
Ticket URL: <https://svn.boost.org/trac/boost/ticket/8425>
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