The mv command in Linux stands for “move”. It is primarily used to move files or directories from one location to another within the filesystem. Additionally, it can rename files or directories by moving them to a new name in the same location. The mv command is highly versatile, supporting operations like overwriting files, preserving file attributes, and handling multiple files or directories at once. It’s a fundamental tool for organizing files, renaming them, or relocating them to different directories.
However, caution is advised, as mv can overwrite existing files without warning unless specific options are used. Whether you’re managing personal files or scripting system tasks, mv is an essential command for efficient file manipulation in Linux.
Rename a File
mv oldfile.txt newfile.txtRenames oldfile.txt to newfile.txt in the same directory.
2. Move a File to Another Directory
mv file.txt /target/directoryMoves file.txt to /target/directory.
Move Multiple Files to a Directory
mv file1.txt file2.txt /target/directoryMoves file1.txt and file2.txt to /target/directory.
Rename a Directory
mv olddir/ newdir/Renames the directory olddir to newdir.
Move a Directory to Another Location
mv /path/to/source/dir/ /path/to/destination/Moves the entire dir (and its contents) to the destination.
Force Overwrite Without Prompt
mv -f source.txt destination.txtOverwrites destination.txt if it exists (no confirmation).
Interactive Mode (Prompt Before Overwriting)
mv -i source.txt destination.txtAsks for confirmation before overwriting existing files.
Backup Existing Files Before Overwriting
mv --backup=numbered source.txt destination.txtCreates a numbered backup of destination.txt (e.g., destination.txt.~1~).
Move Files with Wildcards
mv *.txt /target/directoryMoves all .txt files to /target/directory.
Verbose Mode (Show Actions)
mv -v file.txt /target/directoryPrints: 'file.txt' -> '/target/directory/file.txt'.
Move Files and Preserve Timestamps
mv -p file.txt /target/directoryRetains the original file’s timestamps and permissions.
12. Move Hidden Files
mv .hiddenfile /target/directoryMoves hidden files (starting with .).
Move Files with Spaces in Names
mv "My Document.txt" /target/directoryUse quotes to handle filenames with spaces.
Rename Files with Pattern Matching
mv *.jpeg *.jpgRenames all .jpeg files to .jpg in the current directory.
Move Files via find + xargs
find . -name "*.log" -type f -print0 | xargs -0 mv -t /target/directoryFinds all .log files and moves them to /target/directory (handles spaces in filenames).
Move Files Using Absolute Paths
mv /home/user/docs/file.txt /backup/Moves a file using absolute paths.
Move and Create Parent Directories
mkdir -p /target/directory && mv file.txt /target/directoryCreates parent directories if they don’t exist before moving.
Move Files to a New Directory
mv file1.txt file2.txt new_directory/Moves files into new_directory (creates it if missing).
Dry Run (Simulate Moving)
mv -n file.txt /target/directorySimulates the move without making changes (-n = no overwrite).
Move Files with sudo (System Files)
sudo mv /tmp/config /etc/Moves files requiring root permissions.
Key Notes:
- Overwriting: By default,
mvoverwrites existing files. Use-ior--backupto avoid accidental data loss. - Wildcards: Use
*(any characters) or?(single character) for pattern matching. - Permissions: Ensure you have write access to both the source and destination directories.
The mv command is a cornerstone of Linux file management. Use it carefully! 🐧
