To move the content of a file/directory to another directory, you just use the mv command. This command doesn’t create a copy/duplicate of files or directories.
To move the contents of a directory, use the following command:
Syntax:
mv <CurrentDirectory>/* <NewDirectory>
For example, to move all the contents of a directory called animals to a directory named birds you would type:
In this case, if birds (destination directory) exists, the contents of animals directory will be moved to the birds directory and animals directory will disappear. However, if the birds directory doesn’t exist, it will be created and then the contents of animals directory will be moved. The animals directory will disappear after the contents are moved.
The Syntax for moving files is:
mv <FileName> <DestinationFolder>
For example, to move a file called owls into directory birds, you would type:
| The source location of the file to be moved must be different than the destination location of the file. |
FAQs
Use the mv command to move files and directories from one directory to another or to rename a file or directory. If you move a file or directory to a new directory without specifying a new name, it retains its original name.
What is the difference between rename and move in DOS? ›
There's two main differences: rename cannot move files to another directory or drive, move can. rename cannot overwrite existing files, move can (using the /y parameter).
What is the move command for rename folder? ›
Rename Files and Directories
- The general expression for renaming files is as follows: mv <old-Name> <new-Name> Copied!
- For example, to rename file owls to parrots , you would type: mv owls parrots. Copied!
- To rename a directory named animals to birds , you simply type: mv animals birds. Copied!
The mv command moves files and directories from one directory to another or renames a file or directory. If you move a file or directory to a new directory, it retains the base file name.
What is the command used for renaming files and directories in Linux? ›
Rename Files with the mv Command. The Linux mv (move) command moves or renames files and directories through the terminal. The command's effects depend on the provided destination: If you specify a directory as the destination when using the mv command, the source file moves to that directory.
What is the move command in CMD? ›
In computing, move is a command in various command-line interpreters (shells) such as COMMAND.COM , cmd.exe , 4DOS/4NT, and PowerShell. It is used to move one or more files or directories from one place to another.
Does Move command overwrite files? ›
If you move a file to an existing file, it will be overwritten. /Y - Use this option if you want MOVE to replace existing file(s) without prompting you for a confirmation. Otherwise, the replacement will not be made until you confirm it.
Is there a quick way to rename files in Windows? ›
Open File Explorer by going to My Computer, or by pressing Windows Key + E on your keyboard. Find the file you want to rename, select it and select Rename on the ribbon (or press F2 on your keyboard).
What is the DOS command for rename directory? ›
The 'ren' command is used to rename files or folders in CMD. The basic syntax is 'ren oldname newname', where 'oldname' is the current name of the file or folder, and 'newname' is the name you want to change it to.
What is moving file and folder? ›
Moving – move the original files or folder from one place to another (change the destination). The move deletes the original file or folder, while copy creates a duplicate.
Examples
- To rename a file, enter: mv appendix apndx.a. ...
- To move a directory, enter: mv book manual. ...
- To move a file to another directory and give it a new name, enter: mv intro manual/chap1. ...
- To move a file to another directory, keeping the same name, enter: mv chap3 manual This command moves chap3 to manual/chap3.
Move using drag and drop
Select the item you want to move. Drag to the destination folder, and then release the mouse button.
What are the three ways of moving files or folders? ›
A file or folder can be copied or moved to a new location by dragging and dropping with the mouse, using the copy and paste commands, or by using keyboard shortcuts.
What command allows you to move up a directory? ›
Note
| Command | Function |
|---|
| cd .. | Moves you up one directory |
| cd ~otheruser | Takes you to otheruser's login directory, if otheruser has granted you permission |
| cd /dir1/subdirfoo | Regardless of which directory you are in, this absolute path takes you directly to subdirfoo, a subdirectory of dir1 |
6 more rowsUse the cd command to move from your present directory to another directory.
Which command is used to rename the file and folder? ›
What command do I use to rename files or folders in the command prompt? The 'ren' command is used to rename files or folders in CMD.
Which command is used to move or rename files in a Git repository? ›
The git mv command is used to move or rename files within a Git repository. It's a more convenient way to move or rename files compared to manually deleting and adding files.
Which one of the following commands is used to move files or folders? ›
MV Command is Used to Move/Transfer any Type of File and Folder.
How do you move directories in Linux? ›
Right-click on the directory and choose the "Cut" or "Move" option from the context menu and navigate to the destination directory where you want to move the selected directory. Step - 3: Right-click on the destination directory and choose the "Paste" or "Move Here" option from the context menu.
