Linux Rename File Command

You need to use the mv command. It is used to rename and move files and directories. The general syntax is as follows:

Code:

---

mv old-file-name  new-file-name
mv [options] old-file-name  new-file-name
mv file1 file2

---

In this example, the following command would rename a file called resumezzz.pdf to resume.pdf. Open a command-line terminal (select Applications > Accessories > Terminal), and then type:

Code:

---

mv resumezzz.pdf resume.pdf

---

If resumezzz.pdf is located in /home/vivek/docs/files directory, type:

Code:

---

cd /home/vivek/docs/files
mv resumezzz.pdf resume.pdf

---

OR

Code:

---

mv /home/vivek/docs/files/resumezzz.pdf /home/vivek/docs/files/resume.pdf

---

Use the ls command to view files:

Code:

---

ls -l file1
ls -l file1 file2
ls -l /home/vivek/docs/files/*.pdf
ls -l *.pdf

---

Linux rename a file syntax

In short, to rename a file:

Code:

---

mv file1 file2

---

You can get verbose output i.e. mv command can explain what is being done using the following syntax:

Code:

---

mv -v file1 file2

---

Sample outputs:

Code:

---

`file1' -> `file2'

---

To make mv interactive pass the -i option. This option will prompt before overwriting file:

Code:

---

mv -i file1 file2

---

Sample outputs:

Code:

---

mv: overwrite `file2'? y

---

Detailed information about mv command

You can also view the manual page on mv using the following command:

Code:

---

man mv

---

OR

Code:

---

info mv

---