Batch renaming of files in the Linux environment

Mondo Technology Updated on 2024-03-01

In Linux and UNIX-like operating systems, the renaming or moving of files is a common task. While standard MV commands are often used to rename or move individual files, when we need to batch process, we need to look for other tools or strategies. This article will ** several ways to rename files in batches in the Linux environment.

1.Use the mmv command.

MMV is a powerful command-line tool that allows users to move, copy, append, and rename files in bulk according to a specified pattern. This tool is installed by default on Debian-based systems, but for other systems it may need to be installed manually. With MMV, you can easily rename multiple files at once based on wildcard patterns.

2.Use the rename command.

The rename command is another commonly used bulk renaming tool. It renames the files according to the user-provided schema. Most Unix-like systems come with the rename command pre-installed, but if not, you can easily install it through a package manager. This command allows you to use regular expressions to define renaming rules, which is very powerful and flexible.

3.Use renameutils

renameutils is a toolset that specializes in renaming files and directories in bulk. This toolset provides a set of command-line tools that make renaming operations faster and easier. If you're looking for a powerful and easy-to-use bulk renaming tool, renameutils might be a great choice.

4.Use the vimv command.

Vimv is a bulk renaming tool based on the vim editor. When you run vimv, it will list all the files that need to be renamed and allow you to edit them in the vim environment. You can edit multiple filenames at once, then save and exit vim, and vimv will rename the files in bulk based on your edits. This method may be more intuitive and convenient for those who are familiar with the vim editor.

In Linux and UNIX-like operating systems, there are several ways to batch rename files. You can use tools like MMV, Rename, Renameutils, or Vimv to choose the most suitable method according to your needs and preferences. These tools all offer flexible and powerful features that can help you complete bulk rename tasks efficiently. Whether you're managing a large number of files or organizing the file structure of a project, these tools will be your valuable assistant.

Keep in mind that different systems may have different tools installed by default, or may provide different package managers to install them. Therefore, it is best to check if your system already has the required tools installed, or how to install them, before using them. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the usage and options of each tool so that you can make better use of their features.

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