How to take a snapshot of a folder in Linux, then another one after a while, and compare to find out what files appeared?

Question

linux

For example, I scanned a folder, then installed the program, worked with it. Then I took another picture, compared it and showed me the new files and folders that were created, as well as the changed ones. Under windows there are such programs (I forgot the name), I'm looking for under linux. Thank you!

Answer 1

$ ls -lR > before
...
$ ls -lR > after
$ diff -u before after

Would it fit somehow?

Answer 2

It seems you have grown to a version control system))
Well, if in essence, then, for example, a copy of the source folder + the diff command.
But if there are text files or small files in the folder, then definitely google "version control systems".
In addition to the diff, you will also see the changes themselves, by type they deleted such and such a word in such and such a line.

Answer 3

As an option - the ZFS file system, which supports snapshots.

Answer 4

You can also look in the direction of incron - for example, write the names of changed / created files to a text log