I use the append >> and overwrite > redirection operators all the time. Today I’d like to share a simple mental model I’ve developed for remembering which is which.
Append, >>, appends to its target with the redirected output. It’s two carets, because it “adds a second thing” to what already exists.
Overwrite, >, replaces its target with the redirected output. It’s one caret, because it “becomes” its target.
Hope this helps.