diff --git a/docs/config/config-dotfiles.md b/docs/config/config-dotfiles.md
index e591628..a8dec7c 100644
--- a/docs/config/config-dotfiles.md
+++ b/docs/config/config-dotfiles.md
@@ -14,11 +14,13 @@ Entry    | Description
 `ignoreempty` | If true, an empty template will not be deployed (defaults to the value of `ignoreempty`)
 `instignore` | List of patterns to ignore when installing (enclose in quotes when using wildcards; see [ignore patterns](config-file.md#ignore-patterns))
 `template` | If false, disable templating for this dotfile (defaults to the value of `template_dotfile_default`)
-`trans_read` | Transformation key to apply when installing this dotfile (must be defined in the **trans_read** entry below; see [transformations](config-transformations.md))
-`trans_write` | Transformation key to apply when updating this dotfile (must be defined in the **trans_write** entry below; see [transformations](config-transformations.md))
+`trans_install` | Transformation key to apply when installing this dotfile (must be defined in the **trans_install** entry below; see [transformations](config-transformations.md))
+`trans_update` | Transformation key to apply when updating this dotfile (must be defined in the **trans_update** entry below; see [transformations](config-transformations.md))
 `upignore` | List of patterns to ignore when updating (enclose in quotes when using wildcards; see [ignore patterns](config-file.md#ignore-patterns))
 <s>link_children</s> | Replaced by `link: link_children`
-<s>trans</s> | Replaced by `trans_read`
+<s>trans</s> | Replaced by `trans_install`
+<s>trans_read</s> | Replaced by `trans_install`
+<s>trans_write</s> | Replaced by `trans_update`
 
 ```yaml
 <dotfile-key-name>:
@@ -37,8 +39,8 @@ Entry    | Description
     - <action-key>
   template: (true|false)
   chmod: '<file-permissions>'
-  trans_read: <transformation-key>
-  trans_write: <transformation-key>
+  trans_install: <transformation-key>
+  trans_update: <transformation-key>
 ```
 
 ## Dotfile actions
diff --git a/docs/config/config-transformations.md b/docs/config/config-transformations.md
index cb2b03c..5a533b4 100644
--- a/docs/config/config-transformations.md
+++ b/docs/config/config-transformations.md
@@ -14,14 +14,14 @@ For examples of transformation uses, see:
 
 There are two types of transformations available:
 
-* **Read transformations**: used to transform dotfiles before they are installed ([config](config-config.md) key `trans_read`)
+* **Install transformations**: used to transform dotfiles before they are installed ([config](config-config.md) key `trans_install`)
     * Used for commands `install` and `compare`
     * They have two mandatory arguments:
         * **{0}** will be replaced with the dotfile to process
         * **{1}** will be replaced with a temporary file to store the result of the transformation
     * This Happens **before** the dotfile is templated (see [templating](../template/templating.md))
 
-* **Write transformations**: used to transform files before updating a dotfile ([config](config-config.md) key `trans_write`)
+* **Update/Import transformations**: used to transform files before updating/importing a dotfile ([config](config-config.md) key `trans_update`)
     * Used for command `update` and `import`
     * They have two mandatory arguments:
         * **{0}** will be replaced with the file path to update the dotfile with
@@ -36,13 +36,13 @@ Transformations also support additional positional arguments that must start fro
 
 For example:
 ```yaml
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   targ: echo "$(basename {0}); {{@@ _dotfile_key @@}}; {2}; {3}" > {1}
 dotfiles:
   f_abc:
     dst: /tmp/abc
     src: abc
-    trans_read: targ "{{@@ profile @@}}" lastarg
+    trans_install: targ "{{@@ profile @@}}" lastarg
 profiles:
   p1:
     dotfiles:
@@ -51,21 +51,21 @@ profiles:
 
 will result in `abc; f_abc; p1; lastarg`.
 
-## trans_read entry
+## trans_install entry
 
-The **trans_read** entry (optional) contains a transformations mapping (See [transformations](config-transformations.md)).
+The **trans_install** entry (optional) contains a transformations mapping (See [transformations](config-transformations.md)).
 
 ```yaml
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
    <trans-key>: <command-to-execute>
 ```
 
-## trans_write entry
+## trans_update entry
 
-The **trans_write** entry (optional) contains a write transformations mapping (See [transformations](config-transformations.md)).
+The **trans_update** entry (optional) contains a write transformations mapping (See [transformations](config-transformations.md)).
 
 ```yaml
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
    <trans-key>: <command-to-execute>
 ```
 
@@ -77,10 +77,10 @@ and [template variables](../template/template-variables.md#template-variables)).
 
 A very dumb example:
 ```yaml
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   r_echo_abs_src: echo "{0}: {{@@ _dotfile_abs_src @@}}" > {1}
   r_echo_var: echo "{0}: {{@@ r_var @@}}" > {1}
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   w_echo_key: echo "{0}: {{@@ _dotfile_key @@}}" > {1}
   w_echo_var: echo "{0}: {{@@ w_var @@}}" > {1}
 variables:
@@ -90,11 +90,11 @@ dotfiles:
   f_abc:
     dst: ${tmpd}/abc
     src: abc
-    trans_read: r_echo_abs_src
-    trans_write: w_echo_key
+    trans_install: r_echo_abs_src
+    trans_update: w_echo_key
   f_def:
     dst: ${tmpd}/def
     src: def
-    trans_read: r_echo_var
-    trans_write: w_echo_var
+    trans_install: r_echo_var
+    trans_update: w_echo_var
 ```
diff --git a/docs/howto/sensitive-dotfiles.md b/docs/howto/sensitive-dotfiles.md
index f11c0ef..cffcb58 100644
--- a/docs/howto/sensitive-dotfiles.md
+++ b/docs/howto/sensitive-dotfiles.md
@@ -37,9 +37,9 @@ First you need to define the encryption/decryption methods, for example
 ```yaml
 variables:
   keyid: "11223344"
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   _decrypt: "gpg -q --for-your-eyes-only--no-tty -d {0} > {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   _encrypt: "gpg -q -r {{@@ keyid @@}} --armor --no-tty -o {1} -e {0}"
 ```
 
@@ -60,17 +60,17 @@ Using GPG keys:
 ```yaml
 variables:
   keyid: "11223344"
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   _decrypt: "gpg -q --for-your-eyes-only--no-tty -d {0} > {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   _encrypt: "gpg -q -r {{@@ keyid @@}} --armor --no-tty -o {1} -e {0}"
 ```
 
 Passphrase is stored in an environment variable:
 ```yaml
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   _decrypt: "echo {{@@ env['THE_KEY'] @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --for-your-eyes-only --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -d {0} > {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   _encrypt: "echo {{@@ env['THE_KEY'] @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -o {1} -c {0}"
 ```
 
@@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ Passphrase is stored as a variable:
 ```yaml
 variables:
   gpg_password: "some password"
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   _decrypt: "echo {{@@ gpg_password @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --for-your-eyes-only --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -d {0} > {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   _encrypt: "echo {{@@ gpg_password @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -o {1} -c {0}"
 ```
 
@@ -88,9 +88,9 @@ Passphrase is retrieved using a script:
 ```yaml
 dynvariables:
   gpg_password: "./get-password.sh"
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   _decrypt: "echo {{@@ gpg_password @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --for-your-eyes-only --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -d {0} > {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   _encrypt: "echo {{@@ gpg_password @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -o {1} -c {0}"
 ```
 
@@ -100,9 +100,9 @@ variables:
   gpg_password_file: "/tmp/the-password"
 dynvariables:
   gpg_password: "cat {{@@ gpg_password_file @@}}"
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   _decrypt: "echo {{@@ gpg_password @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --for-your-eyes-only --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -d {0} > {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   _encrypt: "echo {{@@ gpg_password @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -o {1} -c {0}"
 ```
 
diff --git a/docs/howto/store-compressed-directories.md b/docs/howto/store-compressed-directories.md
index 87f1a64..08cbaf4 100644
--- a/docs/howto/store-compressed-directories.md
+++ b/docs/howto/store-compressed-directories.md
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 # Handle compressed directories
 
-This is an example of how to use transformations (`trans_read` and `trans_write`) to store
+This is an example of how to use transformations (`trans_install` and `trans_update`) to store
 compressed directories and deploy them with dotdrop.
 
 Start by defining the transformations:
 ```yaml
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   uncompress: "mkdir -p {1} && tar -xf {0} -C {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   compress: "tar -cf {1} -C {0} ."
 ```
 
diff --git a/dotdrop/cfg_aggregator.py b/dotdrop/cfg_aggregator.py
index c1a79c4..1e9d819 100644
--- a/dotdrop/cfg_aggregator.py
+++ b/dotdrop/cfg_aggregator.py
@@ -69,23 +69,23 @@ class CfgAggregator:
         return self.cfgyaml.del_dotfile_from_profile(dotfile.key, profile.key)
 
     def new_dotfile(self, src, dst, link, chmod=None,
-                    trans_read=None, trans_write=None):
+                    trans_install=None, trans_update=None):
         """
         import a new dotfile
         @src: path in dotpath
         @dst: path in FS
         @link: LinkType
         @chmod: file permission
-        @trans_read: read transformation
-        @trans_write: write transformation
+        @trans_install: read transformation
+        @trans_update: write transformation
         """
         dst = self.path_to_dotfile_dst(dst)
         dotfile = self.get_dotfile_by_src_dst(src, dst)
         if not dotfile:
             # add the dotfile
             dotfile = self._create_new_dotfile(src, dst, link, chmod=chmod,
-                                               trans_read=trans_read,
-                                               trans_write=trans_write)
+                                               trans_install=trans_install,
+                                               trans_update=trans_update)
 
         if not dotfile:
             return False
@@ -237,25 +237,25 @@ class CfgAggregator:
     ########################################################
 
     def _create_new_dotfile(self, src, dst, link, chmod=None,
-                            trans_read=None, trans_write=None):
+                            trans_install=None, trans_update=None):
         """create a new dotfile"""
         # get a new dotfile with a unique key
         key = self._get_new_dotfile_key(dst)
         self.log.dbg(f'new dotfile key: {key}')
         # add the dotfile
-        trans_r_key = trans_w_key = None
-        if trans_read:
-            trans_r_key = trans_read.key
-        if trans_write:
-            trans_w_key = trans_write.key
+        trans_install_key = trans_update_key = None
+        if trans_install:
+            trans_install_key = trans_install.key
+        if trans_update:
+            trans_update_key = trans_update.key
         if not self.cfgyaml.add_dotfile(key, src, dst, link,
                                         chmod=chmod,
-                                        trans_r_key=trans_r_key,
-                                        trans_w_key=trans_w_key):
+                                        trans_install_key=trans_install_key,
+                                        trans_update_key=trans_update_key):
             return None
         return Dotfile(key, dst, src,
-                       trans_r=trans_read,
-                       trans_w=trans_write)
+                       trans_install=trans_install,
+                       trans_update=trans_update)
 
     ########################################################
     # parsing
@@ -297,15 +297,15 @@ class CfgAggregator:
         self.actions = Action.parse_dict(self.cfgyaml.actions)
         debug_list('actions', self.actions, self.debug)
 
-        # trans_r
-        self.log.dbg('parsing trans_r')
-        self.trans_r = Transform.parse_dict(self.cfgyaml.trans_r)
-        debug_list('trans_r', self.trans_r, self.debug)
+        # trans_install
+        self.log.dbg('parsing trans_install')
+        self.trans_install = Transform.parse_dict(self.cfgyaml.trans_install)
+        debug_list('trans_install', self.trans_install, self.debug)
 
-        # trans_w
-        self.log.dbg('parsing trans_w')
-        self.trans_w = Transform.parse_dict(self.cfgyaml.trans_w)
-        debug_list('trans_w', self.trans_w, self.debug)
+        # trans_update
+        self.log.dbg('parsing trans_update')
+        self.trans_update = Transform.parse_dict(self.cfgyaml.trans_update)
+        debug_list('trans_update', self.trans_update, self.debug)
 
         # variables
         self.log.dbg('parsing variables')
@@ -334,14 +334,17 @@ class CfgAggregator:
         msg = f'default actions: {self.settings.default_actions}'
         self.log.dbg(msg)
 
-        # patch trans_w/trans_r in dotfiles
+        # patch trans_install in dotfiles
+        trans_inst_args = self._get_trans_update_args(self.get_trans_install)
         self._patch_keys_to_objs(self.dotfiles,
-                                 "trans_r",
-                                 self._get_trans_w_args(self.get_trans_r),
+                                 CfgYaml.key_trans_install,
+                                 trans_inst_args,
                                  islist=False)
+        # patch trans_update in dotfiles
+        trans_update_args = self._get_trans_update_args(self.get_trans_update)
         self._patch_keys_to_objs(self.dotfiles,
-                                 "trans_w",
-                                 self._get_trans_w_args(self.get_trans_w),
+                                 CfgYaml.key_trans_update,
+                                 trans_update_args,
                                  islist=False)
 
         self.log.dbg('done parsing cfgyaml into cfg_aggregator')
@@ -542,7 +545,7 @@ class CfgAggregator:
             action = self._get_action(key)
         return action
 
-    def _get_trans_w_args(self, getter):
+    def _get_trans_update_args(self, getter):
         """return transformation by key with the arguments"""
         def getit(key):
             fields = shlex.split(key)
@@ -557,16 +560,16 @@ class CfgAggregator:
             return trans
         return getit
 
-    def get_trans_r(self, key):
-        """return the trans_r with this key"""
+    def get_trans_install(self, key):
+        """return the trans_install with this key"""
         try:
-            return next(x for x in self.trans_r if x.key == key)
+            return next(x for x in self.trans_install if x.key == key)
         except StopIteration:
             return None
 
-    def get_trans_w(self, key):
-        """return the trans_w with this key"""
+    def get_trans_update(self, key):
+        """return the trans_update with this key"""
         try:
-            return next(x for x in self.trans_w if x.key == key)
+            return next(x for x in self.trans_update if x.key == key)
         except StopIteration:
             return None
diff --git a/dotdrop/cfg_yaml.py b/dotdrop/cfg_yaml.py
index f77c52b..2d88cfb 100644
--- a/dotdrop/cfg_yaml.py
+++ b/dotdrop/cfg_yaml.py
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@ the upper layer:
 * self.dotfiles
 * self.profiles
 * self.actions
-* self.trans_r
-* self.trans_w
+* self.trans_install
+* self.trans_update
 * self.variables
 
 Additionally a few methods are exported.
@@ -50,9 +50,11 @@ class CfgYaml:
     key_dotfiles = 'dotfiles'
     key_profiles = 'profiles'
     key_actions = 'actions'
-    old_key_trans_r = 'trans'
-    key_trans_r = 'trans_read'
-    key_trans_w = 'trans_write'
+    old_key_trans = 'trans'
+    old_key_trans_r = 'trans_read'
+    old_key_trans_w = 'trans_write'
+    key_trans_install = 'trans_install'
+    key_trans_update = 'trans_update'
     key_variables = 'variables'
     key_dvariables = 'dynvariables'
     key_uvariables = 'uservariables'
@@ -146,8 +148,8 @@ class CfgYaml:
         self.dotfiles = {}
         self.profiles = {}
         self.actions = {}
-        self.trans_r = {}
-        self.trans_w = {}
+        self.trans_install = {}
+        self.trans_update = {}
         self.variables = {}
 
         if not os.path.exists(self._path):
@@ -248,10 +250,10 @@ class CfgYaml:
         self.dotfiles = self._parse_blk_dotfiles(self._yaml_dict)
         # parse the "actions" block
         self.actions = self._parse_blk_actions(self._yaml_dict)
-        # parse the "trans_r" block
-        self.trans_r = self._parse_blk_trans_r(self._yaml_dict)
-        # parse the "trans_w" block
-        self.trans_w = self._parse_blk_trans_w(self._yaml_dict)
+        # parse the "trans_install" block
+        self.trans_install = self._parse_blk_trans_install(self._yaml_dict)
+        # parse the "trans_update" block
+        self.trans_update = self._parse_blk_trans_update(self._yaml_dict)
 
         ##################################################
         # import elements
@@ -427,7 +429,7 @@ class CfgYaml:
         return True
 
     def add_dotfile(self, key, src, dst, link, chmod=None,
-                    trans_r_key=None, trans_w_key=None):
+                    trans_install_key=None, trans_update_key=None):
         """add a new dotfile"""
         if key in self.dotfiles.keys():
             return False
@@ -438,8 +440,8 @@ class CfgYaml:
             self._dbg(f'new dotfile link: {link}')
             if chmod:
                 self._dbg(f'new dotfile chmod: {chmod:o}')
-            self._dbg(f'new dotfile trans_r: {trans_r_key}')
-            self._dbg(f'new dotfile trans_w: {trans_w_key}')
+            self._dbg(f'new dotfile trans_install: {trans_install_key}')
+            self._dbg(f'new dotfile trans_update: {trans_update_key}')
 
         # create the dotfile dict
         df_dict = {
@@ -456,11 +458,11 @@ class CfgYaml:
         if chmod:
             df_dict[self.key_dotfile_chmod] = str(format(chmod, 'o'))
 
-        # trans_r/trans_w
-        if trans_r_key:
-            df_dict[self.key_trans_r] = str(trans_r_key)
-        if trans_w_key:
-            df_dict[self.key_trans_w] = str(trans_w_key)
+        # trans_install/trans_update
+        if trans_install_key:
+            df_dict[self.key_trans_install] = str(trans_install_key)
+        if trans_update_key:
+            df_dict[self.key_trans_update] = str(trans_update_key)
 
         if self._debug:
             self._dbg(f'dotfile dict: {df_dict}')
@@ -618,30 +620,25 @@ class CfgYaml:
             self._debug_dict('actions block', actions)
         return actions
 
-    def _parse_blk_trans_r(self, dic):
-        """parse the "trans_r" block"""
-        key = self.key_trans_r
-        if self.old_key_trans_r in dic:
-            msg = '\"trans\" is deprecated, please use \"trans_read\"'
-            self._log.warn(msg)
-            dic[self.key_trans_r] = dic[self.old_key_trans_r]
-            del dic[self.old_key_trans_r]
-        trans_r = self._get_entry(dic, key, mandatory=False)
-        if trans_r:
-            trans_r = trans_r.copy()
+    def _parse_blk_trans_install(self, dic):
+        """parse the "trans_install" block"""
+        trans_install = self._get_entry(dic, self.key_trans_install,
+                                        mandatory=False)
+        if trans_install:
+            trans_install = trans_install.copy()
         if self._debug:
-            self._debug_dict('trans_r block', trans_r)
-        return trans_r
+            self._debug_dict('trans_install block', trans_install)
+        return trans_install
 
-    def _parse_blk_trans_w(self, dic):
-        """parse the "trans_w" block"""
-        trans_w = self._get_entry(dic, self.key_trans_w,
-                                  mandatory=False)
-        if trans_w:
-            trans_w = trans_w.copy()
+    def _parse_blk_trans_update(self, dic):
+        """parse the "trans_update" block"""
+        trans_update = self._get_entry(dic, self.key_trans_update,
+                                       mandatory=False)
+        if trans_update:
+            trans_update = trans_update.copy()
         if self._debug:
-            self._debug_dict('trans_w block', trans_w)
-        return trans_w
+            self._debug_dict('trans_update block', trans_update)
+        return trans_update
 
     def _parse_blk_variables(self, dic):
         """parse the "variables" block"""
@@ -817,7 +814,11 @@ class CfgYaml:
         if not dotfiles:
             return dotfiles
         new = {}
+
         for k, val in dotfiles.items():
+            # fix depreacated trans
+            self._fix_deprecated_trans_in_dict(val)
+
             if self.key_dotfile_src not in val:
                 # add 'src' as key' if not present
                 val[self.key_dotfile_src] = k
@@ -825,14 +826,6 @@ class CfgYaml:
             else:
                 new[k] = val
 
-            if self.old_key_trans_r in val:
-                # fix deprecated trans key
-                msg = f'{k} \"trans\" is deprecated, please use \"trans_read\"'
-                self._log.warn(msg)
-                val[self.key_trans_r] = val[self.old_key_trans_r]
-                del val[self.old_key_trans_r]
-                new[k] = val
-
             if self.key_dotfile_link not in val:
                 # apply link value if undefined
                 value = self.settings[self.key_settings_link_dotfile_default]
@@ -1108,8 +1101,10 @@ class CfgYaml:
         self.profiles = self._merge_dict(self.profiles, sub.profiles,
                                          deep=True)
         self.actions = self._merge_dict(self.actions, sub.actions)
-        self.trans_r = self._merge_dict(self.trans_r, sub.trans_r)
-        self.trans_w = self._merge_dict(self.trans_w, sub.trans_w)
+        self.trans_install = self._merge_dict(self.trans_install,
+                                              sub.trans_install)
+        self.trans_update = self._merge_dict(self.trans_update,
+                                             sub.trans_update)
         self._clear_profile_vars(sub.variables)
 
         self.imported_configs.append(path)
@@ -1189,6 +1184,53 @@ class CfgYaml:
             return
         self._fix_deprecated_link_by_default(yamldict)
         self._fix_deprecated_dotfile_link(yamldict)
+        self._fix_deprecated_trans(yamldict)
+
+    def _fix_deprecated_trans_in_dict(self, yamldic):
+        # trans -> trans_install
+        old_key = self.old_key_trans
+        new_key = self.key_trans_install
+        if old_key in yamldic:
+            yamldic[old_key] = yamldic[new_key]
+            del yamldic[old_key]
+            msg = f'\"{old_key}\" is deprecated, '
+            msg += f', updated to {new_key}\"'
+            self._log.warn(msg)
+            self._dirty = True
+            self._dirty_deprecated = True
+
+        # trans_read -> trans_install
+        old_key = self.old_key_trans_r
+        new_key = self.key_trans_install
+        if old_key in yamldic:
+            yamldic[new_key] = yamldic[old_key]
+            del yamldic[old_key]
+            warn = f'deprecated \"{old_key}\"'
+            warn += f', updated to \"{new_key}\"'
+            self._log.warn(warn)
+            self._dirty = True
+            self._dirty_deprecated = True
+
+        # trans_write -> trans_update
+        old_key = self.old_key_trans_w
+        new_key = self.key_trans_update
+        if old_key in yamldic:
+            yamldic[new_key] = yamldic[old_key]
+            del yamldic[old_key]
+            warn = f'deprecated \"{old_key}\"'
+            warn += f', updated to \"{new_key}\"'
+            self._log.warn(warn)
+            self._dirty = True
+            self._dirty_deprecated = True
+
+    def _fix_deprecated_trans(self, yamldict):
+        """fix deprecated trans key"""
+        if self.key_settings not in yamldict:
+            return
+        if not yamldict[self.key_settings]:
+            return
+        config = yamldict[self.key_settings]
+        self._fix_deprecated_trans_in_dict(config)
 
     def _fix_deprecated_link_by_default(self, yamldict):
         """fix deprecated link_by_default"""
@@ -1786,8 +1828,8 @@ class CfgYaml:
         self._debug_dict('entry dotfiles', self.dotfiles)
         self._debug_dict('entry profiles', self.profiles)
         self._debug_dict('entry actions', self.actions)
-        self._debug_dict('entry trans_r', self.trans_r)
-        self._debug_dict('entry trans_w', self.trans_w)
+        self._debug_dict('entry trans_install', self.trans_install)
+        self._debug_dict('entry trans_update', self.trans_update)
         self._debug_dict('entry variables', self.variables)
 
     def _debug_dict(self, title, elems):
diff --git a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
index 932ab75..e822b45 100644
--- a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
+++ b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
@@ -120,9 +120,10 @@ def _dotfile_compare(opts, dotfile, tmp):
 
     # apply transformation
     tmpsrc = None
-    if dotfile.trans_r:
+    if dotfile.trans_install:
         LOG.dbg('applying transformation before comparing')
-        tmpsrc = apply_trans(opts.dotpath, dotfile, templ, debug=opts.debug)
+        tmpsrc = apply_install_trans(opts.dotpath, dotfile,
+                                     templ, debug=opts.debug)
         if not tmpsrc:
             # could not apply trans
             return False
@@ -238,8 +239,9 @@ def _dotfile_install(opts, dotfile, tmpdir=None):
         # nolink
         src = dotfile.src
         tmp = None
-        if dotfile.trans_r:
-            tmp = apply_trans(opts.dotpath, dotfile, templ, debug=opts.debug)
+        if dotfile.trans_install:
+            tmp = apply_install_trans(opts.dotpath, dotfile,
+                                      templ, debug=opts.debug)
             if not tmp:
                 return False, dotfile.key, None
             src = tmp
@@ -538,8 +540,8 @@ def cmd_importer(opts):
                                       import_as=opts.import_as,
                                       import_link=opts.import_link,
                                       import_mode=opts.import_mode,
-                                      import_transw=opts.import_transw,
-                                      import_transr=opts.import_transr)
+                                      import_trans_install=opts.import_transr,
+                                      import_trans_update=opts.import_transw)
         if tmpret < 0:
             ret = False
         elif tmpret > 0:
@@ -772,19 +774,20 @@ def _select(selections, dotfiles):
     return selected
 
 
-def apply_trans(dotpath, dotfile, templater, debug=False):
+def apply_install_trans(dotpath, dotfile, templater, debug=False):
     """
-    apply the read transformation to the dotfile
+    apply the install transformation to the dotfile
     return None if fails and new source if succeed
     """
     src = dotfile.src
     new_src = f'{src}.{TRANS_SUFFIX}'
-    trans = dotfile.trans_r
-    LOG.dbg(f'executing transformation: {trans}')
+    trans = dotfile.trans_install
+    LOG.dbg(f'executing install transformation: {trans}')
     srcpath = os.path.join(dotpath, src)
     temp = os.path.join(dotpath, new_src)
     if not trans.transform(srcpath, temp, templater=templater, debug=debug):
-        msg = f'transformation \"{trans.key}\" failed for {dotfile.key}'
+        msg = f'install transformation \"{trans.key}\"'
+        msg += f'failed for {dotfile.key}'
         LOG.err(msg)
         if new_src and os.path.exists(new_src):
             removepath(new_src, LOG)
diff --git a/dotdrop/dotfile.py b/dotdrop/dotfile.py
index 0b09f5b..440d197 100644
--- a/dotdrop/dotfile.py
+++ b/dotdrop/dotfile.py
@@ -14,12 +14,12 @@ class Dotfile(DictParser):
     """Represent a dotfile."""
     # dotfile keys
     key_noempty = 'ignoreempty'
-    key_trans_r = 'trans_read'
-    key_trans_w = 'trans_write'
+    key_trans_install = 'trans_install'
+    key_trans_update = 'trans_update'
     key_template = 'template'
 
     def __init__(self, key, dst, src,
-                 actions=None, trans_r=None, trans_w=None,
+                 actions=None, trans_install=None, trans_update=None,
                  link=LinkTypes.NOLINK, noempty=False,
                  cmpignore=None, upignore=None,
                  instignore=None, template=True, chmod=None,
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ class Dotfile(DictParser):
         @dst: dotfile dst (in user's home usually)
         @src: dotfile src (in dotpath)
         @actions: dictionary of actions to execute for this dotfile
-        @trans_r: transformation to change dotfile before it is installed
-        @trans_w: transformation to change dotfile before updating it
+        @trans_install: transformation to change dotfile before it is installed
+        @trans_update: transformation to change dotfile before updating it
         @link: link behavior
         @noempty: ignore empty template if True
         @upignore: patterns to ignore when updating
@@ -46,8 +46,8 @@ class Dotfile(DictParser):
         self.link = LinkTypes.get(link)
         self.noempty = noempty
         self.src = src
-        self.trans_r = trans_r
-        self.trans_w = trans_w
+        self.trans_install = trans_install
+        self.trans_update = trans_update
         self.upignore = upignore or []
         self.cmpignore = cmpignore or []
         self.instignore = instignore or []
@@ -57,14 +57,14 @@ class Dotfile(DictParser):
 
         if self.link != LinkTypes.NOLINK and \
                 (
-                    (trans_r and len(trans_r) > 0) or
-                    (trans_w and len(trans_w) > 0)
+                    (trans_install and len(trans_install) > 0) or
+                    (trans_update and len(trans_update) > 0)
                 ):
             msg = f'[{key}] transformations disabled'
             msg += ' because dotfile is linked'
             self.log.warn(msg)
-            self.trans_r = []
-            self.trans_w = []
+            self.trans_install = []
+            self.trans_update = []
 
     def get_dotfile_variables(self):
         """return this dotfile specific variables"""
@@ -83,25 +83,25 @@ class Dotfile(DictParser):
         """return all 'post' actions"""
         return [a for a in self.actions if a.kind == Action.post]
 
-    def get_trans_r(self):
-        """return trans_r object"""
-        return self.trans_r
+    def get_trans_install(self):
+        """return trans_install object"""
+        return self.trans_install
 
-    def get_trans_w(self):
-        """return trans_w object"""
-        return self.trans_w
+    def get_trans_update(self):
+        """return trans_update object"""
+        return self.trans_update
 
     @classmethod
     def _adjust_yaml_keys(cls, value):
         """patch dict"""
         value['noempty'] = value.get(cls.key_noempty, False)
-        value['trans_r'] = value.get(cls.key_trans_r)
-        value['trans_w'] = value.get(cls.key_trans_w)
+        value['trans_install'] = value.get(cls.key_trans_install)
+        value['trans_update'] = value.get(cls.key_trans_update)
         value['template'] = value.get(cls.key_template, True)
         # remove old entries
         value.pop(cls.key_noempty, None)
-        value.pop(cls.key_trans_r, None)
-        value.pop(cls.key_trans_w, None)
+        value.pop(cls.key_trans_install, None)
+        value.pop(cls.key_trans_update, None)
         return value
 
     def __eq__(self, other):
@@ -116,6 +116,10 @@ class Dotfile(DictParser):
         msg += f', dst:\"{self.dst}\"'
         msg += f', link:\"{self.link}\"'
         msg += f', template:{self.template}'
+        if self.trans_install:
+            msg += f', trans_install:{self.trans_install}'
+        if self.trans_update:
+            msg += f', trans_update:{self.trans_update}'
         if self.chmod:
             if isinstance(self.chmod, int) or len(self.chmod) == 3:
                 msg += f', chmod:{self.chmod:o}'
@@ -149,13 +153,13 @@ class Dotfile(DictParser):
             for act in some:
                 out += f'\n{2*indent}- {act}'
 
-        out += f'\n{indent}trans_r:'
-        some = self.get_trans_r()
+        out += f'\n{indent}trans_install:'
+        some = self.get_trans_install()
         if some:
             out += f'\n{2*indent}- {some}'
 
-        out += f'\n{indent}trans_w:'
-        some = self.get_trans_w()
+        out += f'\n{indent}trans_update:'
+        some = self.get_trans_update()
         if some:
             out += f'\n{2*indent}- {some}'
         return out
diff --git a/dotdrop/importer.py b/dotdrop/importer.py
index 2d488a5..c0f8d83 100644
--- a/dotdrop/importer.py
+++ b/dotdrop/importer.py
@@ -75,8 +75,8 @@ class Importer:
     def import_path(self, path, import_as=None,
                     import_link=LinkTypes.NOLINK,
                     import_mode=False,
-                    import_transw="",
-                    import_transr=""):
+                    import_trans_install="",
+                    import_trans_update=""):
         """
         import a dotfile pointed by path
         returns:
@@ -90,24 +90,25 @@ class Importer:
             self.log.err(f'\"{path}\" does not exist, ignored!')
             return -1
 
-        # check transw if any
-        trans_write = None
-        trans_read = None
-        if import_transw:
-            trans_write = self.conf.get_trans_w(import_transw)
-        if import_transr:
-            trans_read = self.conf.get_trans_r(import_transr)
+        # check trans_update if any
+        trans_install = None
+        trans_update = None
+        if import_trans_install:
+            trans_install = self.conf.get_trans_install(import_trans_install)
+        if import_trans_update:
+            trans_update = self.conf.get_trans_update(import_trans_update)
 
         return self._import(path, import_as=import_as,
                             import_link=import_link,
                             import_mode=import_mode,
-                            trans_write=trans_write,
-                            trans_read=trans_read)
+                            trans_update=trans_update,
+                            trans_install=trans_install)
 
     def _import(self, path, import_as=None,
                 import_link=LinkTypes.NOLINK,
                 import_mode=False,
-                trans_write=None, trans_read=None):
+                trans_install=None,
+                trans_update=None):
         """
         import path
         returns:
@@ -162,17 +163,18 @@ class Importer:
 
         self.log.dbg(f'import dotfile: src:{src} dst:{dst}')
 
-        if not self._import_to_dotpath(src, dst, trans_write=trans_write):
+        if not self._import_to_dotpath(src, dst, trans_update=trans_update):
             return -1
 
         return self._import_in_config(path, src, dst, perm, linktype,
                                       import_mode,
-                                      trans_w=trans_write,
-                                      trans_r=trans_read)
+                                      trans_update=trans_update,
+                                      trans_install=trans_install)
 
     def _import_in_config(self, path, src, dst, perm,
                           linktype, import_mode,
-                          trans_r=None, trans_w=None):
+                          trans_install=None,
+                          trans_update=None):
         """
         import path
         returns:
@@ -190,8 +192,8 @@ class Importer:
 
         # add file to config file
         retconf = self.conf.new_dotfile(src, dst, linktype, chmod=chmod,
-                                        trans_read=trans_r,
-                                        trans_write=trans_w)
+                                        trans_install=trans_install,
+                                        trans_update=trans_update)
         if not retconf:
             self.log.warn(f'\"{path}\" ignored during import')
             return 0
@@ -222,7 +224,7 @@ class Importer:
             self.log.dbg('will overwrite existing file')
         return True
 
-    def _import_to_dotpath(self, in_dotpath, in_fs, trans_write=None):
+    def _import_to_dotpath(self, in_dotpath, in_fs, trans_update=None):
         """
         prepare hierarchy for dotfile in dotpath and copy file
         """
@@ -237,8 +239,8 @@ class Importer:
             self.log.dry(f'would copy {in_fs} to {srcf}')
             return True
 
-        # apply trans_w
-        in_fs = self._apply_trans_w(in_fs, trans_write)
+        # apply trans_update
+        in_fs = self._apply_trans_update(in_fs, trans_update)
         if not in_fs:
             # transformation failed
             return False
@@ -290,7 +292,7 @@ class Importer:
             return True
         return False
 
-    def _apply_trans_w(self, path, trans):
+    def _apply_trans_update(self, path, trans):
         """
         apply transformation to path on filesystem)
         returns
diff --git a/dotdrop/options.py b/dotdrop/options.py
index 2ea8231..98d5f94 100644
--- a/dotdrop/options.py
+++ b/dotdrop/options.py
@@ -92,8 +92,8 @@ Options:
   -p --profile=<profile>  Specify the profile to use [default: {PROFILE}].
   -P --show-patch         Provide a one-liner to manually patch template.
   -s --as=<path>          Import as a different path from actual path.
-  --transr=<key>          Associate trans_read key on import.
-  --transw=<key>          Apply trans_write key on import.
+  --transr=<key>          Associate trans_install key on import.
+  --transw=<key>          Apply trans_update key on import.
   -t --temp               Install to a temporary directory for review.
   -T --template           Only template dotfiles.
   -V --verbose            Be verbose.
@@ -318,8 +318,8 @@ class Options(AttrMonitor):
         self.import_ignore.extend(self.impignore)
         self.import_ignore.append(f'*{self.install_backup_suffix}')
         self.import_ignore = uniq_list(self.import_ignore)
-        self.import_transw = self.args['--transw']
-        self.import_transr = self.args['--transr']
+        self.import_trans_install = self.args['--transr']
+        self.import_trans_update = self.args['--transw']
 
     def _apply_args_update(self):
         """update specifics"""
diff --git a/dotdrop/updater.py b/dotdrop/updater.py
index b00e4ac..b8761b5 100644
--- a/dotdrop/updater.py
+++ b/dotdrop/updater.py
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ class Updater:
             return True
 
         # apply write transformation if any
-        new_path = self._apply_trans_w(deployed_path, dotfile)
+        new_path = self._apply_trans_update(deployed_path, dotfile)
         if not new_path:
             return False
 
@@ -150,9 +150,9 @@ class Updater:
             removepath(new_path, logger=self.log)
         return ret
 
-    def _apply_trans_w(self, path, dotfile):
+    def _apply_trans_update(self, path, dotfile):
         """apply write transformation to dotfile"""
-        trans = dotfile.get_trans_w()
+        trans = dotfile.get_trans_update()
         if not trans:
             return path
         self.log.dbg(f'executing write transformation {trans}')
diff --git a/manpage/dotdrop.1 b/manpage/dotdrop.1
index f1e7132..45d8b43 100644
--- a/manpage/dotdrop.1
+++ b/manpage/dotdrop.1
@@ -105,11 +105,11 @@ Import as a different path from actual path.
 .TP
 .B
 \fB--transr\fP=<key>
-Associate trans_read key on import.
+Associate trans_install key on import.
 .TP
 .B
 \fB--transw\fP=<key>
-Apply trans_write key on import.
+Apply trans_update key on import.
 .RE
 .TP
 .B
diff --git a/manpage/dotdrop.txt2man b/manpage/dotdrop.txt2man
index cecefcf..bc2ad70 100644
--- a/manpage/dotdrop.txt2man
+++ b/manpage/dotdrop.txt2man
@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ COMMANDS
         -m --preserve-mode      Insert a chmod entry in the dotfile with its mode.
         -p --profile=<profile>  Specify the profile to use.
         -s --as=<path>          Import as a different path from actual path.
-        --transr=<key>          Associate trans_read key on import.
-        --transw=<key>          Apply trans_write key on import.
+        --transr=<key>          Associate trans_install key on import.
+        --transw=<key>          Apply trans_update key on import.
 
   compare  Compare dotfiles
         -C --file=<path>        Path of dotfile to compare.
diff --git a/tests-ng/import-with-trans.sh b/tests-ng/import-with-trans.sh
index 2ff6a0b..eb9c9a2 100755
--- a/tests-ng/import-with-trans.sh
+++ b/tests-ng/import-with-trans.sh
@@ -34,19 +34,21 @@ echo "dotfiles source (dotpath): ${tmps}"
 # the dotfile destination
 tmpd=$(mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests' || mktemp -d)
 echo "dotfiles destination: ${tmpd}"
+tmptmp=$(mktemp -d --suffix='-dotdrop-tests' || mktemp -d)
 
 clear_on_exit "${tmps}"
 clear_on_exit "${tmpd}"
+clear_on_exit "${tmptmp}"
 
 # create the config file
 cfg="${tmps}/config.yaml"
 
 cat > "${cfg}" << _EOF
-trans_read:
+trans_install:
   base64: "cat {0} | base64 -d > {1}"
   decompress: "mkdir -p {1} && tar -xf {0} -C {1}"
   decrypt: "echo {{@@ profile @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -d {0} > {1}"
-trans_write:
+trans_update:
   base64: "cat {0} | base64 > {1}"
   compress: "tar -cf {1} -C {0} ."
   encrypt: "echo {{@@ profile @@}} | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -o {1} -c {0}"
@@ -90,16 +92,16 @@ cd "${ddpath}" | ${bin} import -f -c "${cfg}" -p p1 -b -V --transw=encrypt --tra
 # check content in dotpath
 echo "checking content"
 file "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/abc | grep -i 'text'
-cat "${tmpd}"/abc | base64 > "${tmps}"/test-abc
-diff "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/abc "${tmps}"/test-abc
+cat "${tmpd}"/abc | base64 > "${tmptmp}"/test-abc
+diff "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/abc "${tmptmp}"/test-abc
 
 file "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/def | grep -i 'tar'
-tar -cf "${tmps}"/test-def -C "${tmpd}"/def .
-diff "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/def "${tmps}"/test-def
+tar -cf "${tmptmp}"/test-def -C "${tmpd}"/def .
+diff "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/def "${tmptmp}"/test-def
 
 file "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/ghi | grep -i 'gpg symmetrically encrypted data\|PGP symmetric key encrypted data'
-echo p1 | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -d "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/ghi > "${tmps}"/test-ghi
-diff "${tmps}"/test-ghi "${tmpd}"/ghi
+echo p1 | gpg -q --batch --yes --passphrase-fd 0 --no-tty -d "${tmps}"/dotfiles/"${tmpd}"/ghi > "${tmptmp}"/test-ghi
+diff "${tmptmp}"/test-ghi "${tmpd}"/ghi
 
 # check is imported in config
 echo "checking imported in config"
@@ -108,33 +110,33 @@ cd "${ddpath}" | ${bin} -p p1 -c "${cfg}" files | grep '^f_abc'
 cd "${ddpath}" | ${bin} -p p1 -c "${cfg}" files | grep '^d_def'
 cd "${ddpath}" | ${bin} -p p1 -c "${cfg}" files | grep '^f_ghi'
 
-# check has trans_write and trans_read in config
-echo "checking trans_write is set in config"
+# check has trans_update and trans_install in config
+echo "checking trans_update is set in config"
 echo "--------------"
 cat "${cfg}"
 echo "--------------"
-cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_abc:' | grep 'trans_write: base64'
-cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'd_def:' | grep 'trans_write: compress'
-cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_ghi:' | grep 'trans_write: encrypt'
+cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_abc:' | grep 'trans_update: base64'
+cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'd_def:' | grep 'trans_update: compress'
+cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_ghi:' | grep 'trans_update: encrypt'
 
-cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_abc:' | grep 'trans_read: base64'
-cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'd_def:' | grep 'trans_read: decompress'
-cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_ghi:' | grep 'trans_read: decrypt'
+cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_abc:' | grep 'trans_install: base64'
+cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'd_def:' | grep 'trans_install: decompress'
+cat "${cfg}" | grep -A 4 'f_ghi:' | grep 'trans_install: decrypt'
 
 # install these
 echo "install and check"
-rm "${tmpd}"/abc
-rm -r "${tmpd}"/def
-rm "${tmpd}"/ghi
+rm -rf "${tmpd:?}"/*
 
 cd "${ddpath}" | ${bin} install -f -c "${cfg}" -p p1 -b -V
 
 # test exist
 echo "check exist"
-[ ! -e "${tmpd}"/abc ] && exit 1
-[ ! -d "${tmpd}"/def/a ] && exit 1
-[ ! -e "${tmpd}"/def/a/file ] && exit 1
-[ ! -e "${tmpd}"/ghi ] && exit 1
+cat "${cfg}"
+tree "${tmpd}"
+[ ! -e "${tmpd}"/abc ] && echo "${tmpd}/abc does not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -d "${tmpd}"/def/a ] && echo "${tmpd}/def/a does not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -e "${tmpd}"/def/a/file ] && echo "${tmpd}/def/a/file does not exist" && exit 1
+[ ! -e "${tmpd}"/ghi ] && echo "${tmpd}/ghi does not exist" && exit 1
 
 # test content
 echo "check content"
diff --git a/tests-ng/tests_launcher.py b/tests-ng/tests_launcher.py
index 8d75d6b..c208794 100755
--- a/tests-ng/tests_launcher.py
+++ b/tests-ng/tests_launcher.py
@@ -108,8 +108,10 @@ def run_tests(max_jobs=None, stop_on_first_err=True, with_spinner=True):
                 failed += 1
                 print()
                 if stop_on_first_err:
-                    print(log_out)
-                    print(log_err)
+                    if log_out:
+                        print(log_out)
+                    if log_err:
+                        print(log_err)
                 print(f'test \"{name}\" failed ({ret}): {reason}')
                 if stop_on_first_err:
                     ex.shutdown(wait=False)
diff --git a/tests/helpers.py b/tests/helpers.py
index ac58e7f..3a31ccc 100644
--- a/tests/helpers.py
+++ b/tests/helpers.py
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ def create_yaml_keyval(pairs, parent_dir=None, top_key=None):
 
 # pylint: disable=W0102
 def populate_fake_config(config, dotfiles={}, profiles={}, actions={},
-                         trans={}, trans_write={}, variables={},
+                         trans_install={}, trans_update={}, variables={},
                          dynvariables={}):
     """Adds some juicy content to config files"""
     is_path = isinstance(config, str)
@@ -257,8 +257,8 @@ def populate_fake_config(config, dotfiles={}, profiles={}, actions={},
     config['dotfiles'] = dotfiles
     config['profiles'] = profiles
     config['actions'] = actions
-    config['trans_read'] = trans
-    config['trans_write'] = trans_write
+    config['trans_install'] = trans_install
+    config['trans_update'] = trans_update
     config['variables'] = variables
     config['dynvariables'] = dynvariables
 
diff --git a/tests/test_import.py b/tests/test_import.py
index 539eba3..34840f0 100644
--- a/tests/test_import.py
+++ b/tests/test_import.py
@@ -239,10 +239,10 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
                 },
                 'a_log_ed': 'echo 2',
             },
-            'trans': {
+            'trans_install': {
                 't_log_ed': 'echo 3',
             },
-            'trans_write': {
+            'trans_update': {
                 'tw_log_ed': 'echo 4',
             },
             'variables': {
@@ -273,10 +273,10 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
                 },
                 'a_log_ing': 'echo a',
             },
-            'trans': {
+            'trans_install': {
                 't_log_ing': 'echo b',
             },
-            'trans_write': {
+            'trans_update': {
                 'tw_log_ing': 'echo c',
             },
             'variables': {
@@ -352,10 +352,10 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertFalse(any(a.endswith('ing') for a in actions))
 
         # testing transformations
-        transformations = ycont['trans_read'].keys()
+        transformations = ycont['trans_install'].keys()
         self.assertTrue(all(t.endswith('ed') for t in transformations))
         self.assertFalse(any(t.endswith('ing') for t in transformations))
-        transformations = ycont['trans_write'].keys()
+        transformations = ycont['trans_update'].keys()
         self.assertTrue(all(t.endswith('ed') for t in transformations))
         self.assertFalse(any(t.endswith('ing') for t in transformations))
 
@@ -394,10 +394,10 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertFalse(any(action.endswith('ed') for action in actions))
 
         # testing transformations
-        transformations = ycont['trans_read'].keys()
+        transformations = ycont['trans_install'].keys()
         self.assertTrue(all(t.endswith('ing') for t in transformations))
         self.assertFalse(any(t.endswith('ed') for t in transformations))
-        transformations = ycont['trans_write'].keys()
+        transformations = ycont['trans_update'].keys()
         self.assertTrue(all(t.endswith('ing') for t in transformations))
         self.assertFalse(any(t.endswith('ed') for t in transformations))
 
diff --git a/tests/test_install.py b/tests/test_install.py
index 2edf4f5..2767280 100644
--- a/tests/test_install.py
+++ b/tests/test_install.py
@@ -46,9 +46,9 @@ def fake_config(path, dotfiles, profile,
                 file.write('    actions:\n')
                 for action in dotfile.actions:
                     file.write(f'      - {action.key}\n')
-            if dotfile.trans_r:
-                for trans in dotfile.trans_r:
-                    file.write(f'    trans_read: {trans.key}\n')
+            if dotfile.trans_install:
+                for trans in dotfile.trans_install:
+                    file.write(f'    trans_install: {trans.key}\n')
         file.write('profiles:\n')
         file.write(f'  {profile}:\n')
         file.write('    dotfiles:\n')
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ exec bspwm
         fcontent9, _ = create_random_file(tmp, content=trans1)
         dst9 = os.path.join(dst, get_string(6))
         dotfile9 = Dotfile(get_string(6), dst9, os.path.basename(fcontent9),
-                           trans_r=[the_trans])
+                           trans_install=[the_trans])
 
         # to test template
         f10, _ = create_random_file(tmp, content='{{@@ header() @@}}')
diff --git a/tests/test_misc.py b/tests/test_misc.py
index feef502..e03db9c 100644
--- a/tests/test_misc.py
+++ b/tests/test_misc.py
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ class TestImporter(unittest.TestCase):
         path, _ = create_random_file(tmpdir)
 
         imp = Importer('profile', None, '', '', {})
-        self.assertEqual(imp._apply_trans_w(path, trans), None)
+        self.assertEqual(imp._apply_trans_update(path, trans), None)
 
 
 class TestActions(unittest.TestCase):
diff --git a/tests/test_update.py b/tests/test_update.py
index 834b683..e07ba55 100644
--- a/tests/test_update.py
+++ b/tests/test_update.py
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ class TestUpdate(unittest.TestCase):
                 # retrieve the path of the sub in the dotpath
                 d1indotpath = os.path.join(opt.dotpath, dotfile.src)
                 d1indotpath = os.path.expanduser(d1indotpath)
-            dotfile.trans_w = trans
+            dotfile.trans_update = trans
 
         # update template
         opt.update_path = [d3t]
diff --git a/tests/test_yamlcfg.py b/tests/test_yamlcfg.py
index d436df9..91df6dd 100644
--- a/tests/test_yamlcfg.py
+++ b/tests/test_yamlcfg.py
@@ -298,10 +298,10 @@ profiles:
                 },
                 'a_log_ed': 'echo 2',
             },
-            'trans': {
+            'trans_install': {
                 't_log_ed': 'echo 3',
             },
-            'trans_write': {
+            'trans_update': {
                 'tw_log_ed': 'echo 4',
             },
             'variables': {
@@ -335,10 +335,10 @@ profiles:
                 },
                 'a_log_ing': 'echo a',
             },
-            'trans': {
+            'trans_install': {
                 't_log_ing': 'echo b',
             },
-            'trans_write': {
+            'trans_update': {
                 'tw_log_ing': 'echo c',
             },
             'variables': {
@@ -406,8 +406,8 @@ profiles:
         self.assert_is_subset(post_ed, post_ing)
 
         # test transactions
-        self.assert_is_subset(imported_cfg.trans_r, importing_cfg.trans_r)
-        self.assert_is_subset(imported_cfg.trans_w, importing_cfg.trans_w)
+        self.assert_is_subset(imported_cfg.trans_install, importing_cfg.trans_install)
+        self.assert_is_subset(imported_cfg.trans_update, importing_cfg.trans_update)
 
         # test variables
         imported_vars = {
@@ -504,10 +504,10 @@ profiles:
                 },
                 'a_log': 'echo 2',
             },
-            'trans': {
+            'trans_install': {
                 't_log': 'echo 3',
             },
-            'trans_write': {
+            'trans_update': {
                 'tw_log': 'echo 4',
             },
             'variables': {
@@ -542,10 +542,10 @@ profiles:
                 },
                 'a_log': 'echo a',
             },
-            'trans': {
+            'trans_install': {
                 't_log': 'echo b',
             },
-            'trans_write': {
+            'trans_update': {
                 'tw_log': 'echo c',
             },
             'variables': {
@@ -605,12 +605,12 @@ profiles:
 
         # test transactions
         self.assertFalse(any(
-            imported_cfg.trans_r[key] == importing_cfg.trans_r[key]
-            for key in imported_cfg.trans_r
+            imported_cfg.trans_install[key] == importing_cfg.trans_install[key]
+            for key in imported_cfg.trans_install
         ))
         self.assertFalse(any(
-            imported_cfg.trans_w[key] == importing_cfg.trans_w[key]
-            for key in imported_cfg.trans_w
+            imported_cfg.trans_update[key] == importing_cfg.trans_update[key]
+            for key in imported_cfg.trans_update
         ))
 
         # test variables