This brief tutorial shows students and new users how to use the mv command in Ubuntu to move or rename files and directories.
Learning how to move files or folders with the mv command in Ubuntu can be very useful, especially for users who work with Linux systems, including Ubuntu. The mv command allows you to quickly move or rename files and directories, which can be particularly helpful when organizing your files or making backups.
Mastering the mv command can streamline your workflow and save time and effort.
Additionally, Ubuntu is a popular Linux operating system widely used in different industries, so learning how to use the mv command can be a valuable skill in your arsenal.
About the mv command:
The mv command moves or renames files and folders on Linux systems, including Ubuntu. If you use the -b or –backup options, the mv will rename the destination file if it exists, appending a suffix to its file name. This prevents overwriting existing files.
Syntax:
The syntax is the rule and format of how the mv command can be used. These syntax options can be reordered, but a straight format must be followed.,.
Below is an example syntax of how to use the mv command.
mv [OPTION]. [-T] SOURCE DESTINATION
mv [OPTION]. SOURCE. DIRECTORY
Options:
The command line options are switches or flags that determine how the commands are executed or controlled. They modify the behavior of the commands. They are separated by spaces and followed after the commands.
Below are some options for the mv command:
| SOURCE | Replace SOURCE with the source of the file or folder |
| DESTINATION | Replace DESTINATION with the destination of the file or folder |
| –backup[=CONTROL] | If you use the -backup option, mv make a backup of each existing destination file |
| -b | Use the -b mv behaves like –backup but does not accept an argument |
| -f, –force | Use the -for –force, mv does not prompt before overwriting existing content |
| -i, –interactive | The -i or —interactive option, mv prompts before overwriting existing content |
| –help | Display a help message and exit. |
If you use the -b or –backup options, mv will rename the destination file if it exists, appending a suffix to its file name. This saves a copy of the original file instead of overwriting it.
For example, if you want to rename a file called myfile.txt to myprivate.txt, simply run the commands below:
Example:
mv myfile.txt myprivate.txt
The command above moves or deletes myfile.txt and creates a new file with content called myprivate.txt
If you wish to move myfile.txt into a different directory in your home folder called private, simply run the commands below:
Example:
mv myfile.txt /home/private
The command above moves myfile.txt into the private directory inside your home folder.
The -f option forces the mv command to overwrite the existing file with the same name in the destination without a prompt.
mv -f myfile.txt /home/private
When you use the -I option, the mv command prompts before overwriting existing files with the same name.
mv -i myfile.txt /home/private/
If there’s already a file called myfile.txt inside the /home/private directory, a prompt is given:
Output:
mv: overwrite '/home/private/myfile.txt'?
Entering "y", "yes", "Yes", or "Y" will result in the file being overwrittenWhen you use the -b or –backup option, the mv command copies the existing file.
Example:
mv -b myfile.txt /home/private
If myfile.txt exists in the /home/private, the existing copy will be renamed to
/home/private/myfile.txt~
For moving directories, simply provide the source directory and the destination:
Example:
mv secrets /home/secrets
You can use many more complex options with the mv commands, but the few above will teach you how to use the mv command on Ubuntu.
Conclusion:
This post shows you how to use the mv command on Ubuntu to move or renew files and directories. If you find any error above, please comment below to alert us.
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