By parampreet Singh in linux Commands —

mv Command in Linux

How to Move Files and Directories Using the mv Command in Linux

How to Move Files and Directories Using the mv Command in Linux 🚀📂

What is the mv Command? 🤔


The mv command in Linux is used to move or rename files and directories. It’s an essential command for file management and organization.

Basic Syntax 📝

The general syntax of the mv command is:

mv [options] source destination

Moving a Single File 📄

To move a file from one location to another, use:

mv file1.txt /home/user/Documents/

This moves file1.txt to the Documents directory.

Renaming a File 🏷️

The mv command can also rename a file:

mv oldname.txt newname.txt

This renames oldname.txt to newname.txt.

Moving Multiple Files 📂📂

To move multiple files to a directory:

mv file1.txt file2.txt /home/user/Documents/

This moves file1.txt and file2.txt into Documents.

Moving Directories 📁

To move an entire directory:

mv myfolder /home/user/Backup/

This moves the myfolder directory to Backup.

Overwriting Without Confirmation ⚠️

By default, mv will overwrite files without warning. Use the -i (interactive) option to confirm:

mv -i file1.txt /home/user/Documents/

This asks before replacing an existing file.

Forcing a Move 🛠️

Use the -f option to force a move without prompts:

mv -f file1.txt /home/user/Documents/

Using mv with Wildcards 🌟

Wildcards can be used to move multiple files matching a pattern:

mv *.txt /home/user/Documents/

This moves all .txt files to Documents.

Final Thoughts 🏁

The mv command is a must-know tool for organizing files in Linux. Whether you're renaming files, tidying up directories, or managing system files, mastering mv will make your workflow smoother! 🚀

Want more Linux tips? Check out my blog and explore My Tool for cool resources! 🛠️