Search the current working directory for a file or directory matching the input name, and if it exists suggest a new name by appending a counter to the input name. Alternatively, the function can ask the user if the existing file should be overwritten, in which case the existing file will be erased if the answer is 'yes'. The function also checks for write access permissions at the current working directory.
Usage
new_unique(name = NA, suffix = "", ask = FALSE,
prompt = "A file or directory with this name already exists. Overwrite?")
Arguments
name
the filename to be used (character string). A vector of character strings is also permissible, in which case they will be pasted together. One or more missing (NA) values can also be used, which will be replaced with a randomly generated 9 character alp
suffix
the file extension (including '.') to use (character string). Default none.
ask
if a file exists with the input name, should the function ask to overwrite the file? (logical) If FALSE, a new filename is used instead and no files will be over-written. Default FALSE.
prompt
if ask==TRUE, what text string should be used to prompt the user? (character string) A generic default is supplied.
Value
A unique filename that is safe to use without fear of destroying existing files