The mv command in Linux is a powerful tool used for moving or renaming files and directories. Understanding how to use it effectively is fundamental to efficient file management. In this tutorial, we will explore the various applications of the mv command with detailed examples.
1. Move a file from one directory to another directory:
mv /home/user/file.txt /home/user/documents/
This command moves the file “file.txt” from the home directory of the user to the “documents” directory.
2. Rename a file:
mv oldfile.txt newfile.txt
This command renames the file “oldfile.txt” to “newfile.txt” in the current directory.
3. Move a directory:
mv /home/user/directory /home/user/documents/
This command moves the directory “directory” from the home directory of the user to the “documents” directory.
4. Rename a directory:
mv olddirectory newdirectory
This command renames the directory “olddirectory” to “newdirectory” in the current directory.
Note: When moving a file or directory to a directory that already contains a file or directory with the same name, the existing file or directory will be overwritten without any warning.
The mv command is a versatile tool for managing files and directories in Linux. Whether you’re moving, renaming, or a combination of both, understanding the nuances of this command is essential for efficient file manipulation. Practice these examples on your Linux system to become proficient in utilizing the mv command for effective file management.