# bup > Backup system based on the Git packfile format, providing incremental saves and global deduplication. > More information: . - Initialize a backup repository in a given local [d]irectory: `bup -d {{path/to/repository}} init` - Prepare a given [d]irectory before taking a backup: `bup -d {{path/to/repository}} index {{path/to/directory}}` - Backup a [d]irectory to the repository specifying its [n]ame: `bup -d {{path/to/repository}} save -n {{backup_name}} {{path/to/directory}}` - Show the backup snapshots currently stored in the repository: `bup -d {{path/to/repository}} ls` - Restore a specific backup snapshot to a target dire[C]tory: `bup -d {{path/to/repository}} restore -C {{path/to/target_directory}} {{backup_name}}`