atrforge Documentation

FILE ATTRIBUTES

File Attributes

Atari disk files can have attributes that control how they behave. Some make files read-only, some hide them from directory listings, and some mark them as archived. It's like file permissions, but simpler (and older).

Overview

File attributes are flags that modify how files behave on the Atari. They're stored in the filesystem and affect how the file is displayed, accessed, and modified.

Supported attributes:

  • Protected (+p) - Makes files read-only
  • Hidden (+h) - Hides files from directory listings
  • Archived (+a) - Marks files as backed up

Important: Attributes are primarily a SpartaDOS-X feature. They may not work (or work differently) in other DOS formats.

Protected Files (+p)

Protected files are read-only. The Atari won't let you delete or modify them without first removing the protection.

Setting Protection

When creating an image with atrforge:

atrforge disk.atr +p important.com

This marks important.com as protected.

What It Does

  • Prevents deletion - The file can't be deleted (without removing protection first)
  • Prevents modification - The file can't be modified
  • Still readable - The file can still be read and executed

Use Cases

  • System files that shouldn't be modified
  • Important data files
  • Configuration files
  • Files you want to prevent accidental changes

Removing Protection

On the Atari, you can remove protection using DOS commands. atrforge tools don't currently support removing protection (you'd need to recreate the image or use Atari tools).

Hidden Files (+h)

Hidden files don't appear in normal directory listings. They're still there, they're just not shown. It's like the Unix . prefix, but built into the filesystem.

Setting Hidden Attribute

When creating an image with atrforge:

atrforge disk.atr +h secret.com

This marks secret.com as hidden.

What It Does

  • Hides from listings - File doesn't appear in normal DIR commands
  • Still accessible - File can still be accessed if you know the name
  • SpartaDOS-X only - Only works in SpartaDOS-X, not in other DOS formats

Use Cases

  • System files you don't want cluttering directory listings
  • Files you want to keep private (though not really secure)
  • Temporary files
  • Backup files

Viewing Hidden Files

On SpartaDOS-X, you can view hidden files using special commands or options. Normal directory listings won't show them.

Archived Files (+a)

Archived files are marked as having been backed up. It's a flag that says "this file has been archived." It doesn't actually do anything to the file, it's just a marker.

Setting Archived Attribute

When creating an image with atrforge:

atrforge disk.atr +a backup.com

This marks backup.com as archived.

What It Does

  • Marks as backed up - Indicates the file has been archived
  • No functional effect - Doesn't change file behavior
  • SpartaDOS-X only - Only meaningful in SpartaDOS-X

Use Cases

  • Files that have been backed up
  • Marking files for backup systems
  • Tracking which files need archiving

Combining Attributes

You can combine multiple attributes on a single file:

atrforge disk.atr +ph system.com

This makes system.com both protected and hidden.

Common Combinations

  • +ph - Protected and hidden (system files)
  • +pa - Protected and archived (backed up system files)
  • +ha - Hidden and archived (backed up hidden files)
  • +pha - All three (the ultimate system file)

Setting Attributes with atrforge

Single File

atrforge disk.atr +p file1.com +h file2.com +a file3.com

Each attribute prefix applies only to the file immediately following it.

Multiple Files

atrforge disk.atr \
    +p important1.com \
    +p important2.com \
    +h secret1.com \
    +h secret2.com

You need to specify the attribute for each file individually.

In Directories

atrforge disk.atr \
    system/ +p system/config.sys \
    games/ game1.com game2.com

Attributes work the same way in subdirectories.

Viewing Attributes

With lsatr

When listing files with lsatr, attributes may be shown depending on the DOS format and listing mode. SpartaDOS-X format images will show attribute information.

On the Atari

On SpartaDOS-X, you can view file attributes using the DIR command with appropriate options. The attributes are displayed as flags (P for protected, H for hidden, A for archived).

Attribute Compatibility

SpartaDOS-X / BW-DOS

Full support. All attributes work as expected.

Other DOS Formats

Limited or no support. Attributes may not be stored or may not function:

  • Atari DOS - No attribute support
  • MyDOS - Limited attribute support
  • LiteDOS - Varies by version

If you set attributes on files in a SpartaDOS image, they'll work. If you try to read attributes from other formats, you may not see them.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Use protection for system files - Protect important files from accidental modification
  2. Hide temporary files - Use hidden attribute for files you don't want in listings
  3. Combine attributes - Use multiple attributes for maximum control
  4. Check DOS compatibility - Make sure your target DOS supports the attributes you're using
  5. Attributes are per-file - Each file needs its own attribute prefix

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting the + - It's +p, not -p or --protected. The + is important.
  • Wrong order - Attributes must come before the filename, not after.
  • Expecting universal support - Attributes are primarily a SpartaDOS-X feature.
  • Thinking hidden = secure - Hidden files aren't really secure, they're just not shown in listings.

See Also

  • atrforge - How to set attributes when creating images
  • DOS Formats - Which formats support attributes
  • Examples - Examples of using attributes

For the complete tool list, see the main documentation index.