bin_metadata

#!/usr/bin/env python
# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
# Filename: bin_metadata.py
# Version: 1.0.0
# Author: Jeoi Reqi

"""
This script scans the recycle bin for deleted file metadata.

Requirements:
- Python 3.x
- Operating system supporting the $Recycle.Bin directory structure

Functions:
- scan_recycle_bin(): Scans the recycle bin directory for deleted file metadata.
- main(): Main function to execute the script.

Usage:
1. Ensure Python 3.x is installed on your system.
2. Run the script using the command: python bin_metadata.py

Additional Notes:
- This script does not delete or edit any files, it only scans for metadata.
- Elevated privileges may be required to access system directories, especially on Windows.
- The script outputs the path of deleted file metadata found in the recycle bin.
- Use caution when interacting with system directories to avoid unintentional modifications.
"""

import os

def scan_recycle_bin():
    """
    Scans the recycle bin directory for deleted file metadata.

    Returns:
        List: A list containing the paths of deleted file metadata found in the recycle bin.
    """
    recycle_bin_path = os.path.join('C:', '\\$Recycle.Bin')
    if not os.path.exists(recycle_bin_path):
        print("\nRecycle bin directory not found!\n")
        return []

    print("\nRecycle bin directory found!\n\nDeleted File Metadata Content:\n")
    deleted_files = []
    for root, dirs, files in os.walk(recycle_bin_path):
        for file in files:
            deleted_files.append(os.path.join(root, file))
            print(os.path.join(root, file))
        for directory in dirs:
            deleted_files.append(os.path.join(root, directory))
            print(os.path.join(root, directory))

    return deleted_files

def main():
    """
    Main function to execute the script.
    """
    # Scan recycle bin for deleted files
    deleted_files = scan_recycle_bin()

    if deleted_files:
        print(f"\nFound {len(deleted_files)} deleted file metadata in the recycle bin.\n")
    else:
        print("\nNo deleted file metadata found!\n")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()