mv command

The mv command is used to rename files or directories, or to move files or directories to another location.

Syntax

mv [OPTION] [-T] SOURCE DEST
mv [OPTION] SOURCE DIRECTORY
mv [OPTION] -t DIRECTORY SOURCE

Parameters

  • --backup[=CONTROL]: Make a backup of each existing target file.
  • -b: Like --backup, but does not accept a parameter.
  • -f, --force: Do not prompt before overwriting an existing destination file.
  • -i, --interactive: Prompt before overwriting an existing destination file.
  • -n, --no-clobber: Do not overwrite an existing destination file.
  • --strip-trailing-slashes: Remove any trailing slashes from each source argument.
  • -S, --suffix=SUFFIX: Override the usual backup suffix with the specified suffix.
  • -t, --target-directory=DIRECTORY: Move all source files into DIRECTORY.
  • -T, --no-target-directory: Treat the destination as a normal file and not a directory.
  • -u, --update: Do not move the destination file if it is newer than the source file.
  • -v, --verbose: Explain what is being done with each file being moved.
  • --help: Display this help and exit.
  • --version: Output version information and exit.

Syntax Setting

Command Format Result
mv file1 file2 Renames file1 to file2.
mv file1 dir1 Moves file1 into directory dir1.
mv dir1 dir2 If dir2 exists, moves dir1 into dir2; if not, renames dir1 to dir2.
mv dir1 file1 Error.

Examples

Rename file2.txt to file3.txt.

mv file2.txt file3.txt

Move file.txt into the var directory.

mv file.txt /var/

Rename the dir directory to dirs.

mv dir dirs

Daily Question

https://github.com/WindrunnerMax/EveryDay

References

https://www.computerhope.com/unix/umv.htm https://www.runoob.com/linux/linux-comm-mv.html https://www.tutorialspoint.com/unix_commands/mv.htm
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