Linux rename command

In Linux, the “rename” command is used to rename multiple files or directories simultaneously by applying a specified pattern or using regular expressions. The “rename” command is a powerful tool for batch renaming files. However, the command syntax can vary depending on the specific implementation of the “rename” command on your Linux distribution.

Here is a general example of how to use the “rename” command:

1. Open a Terminal:
   Launch a terminal emulator on your Linux system.
2. Type the “rename” command:
   The basic syntax of the “rename” command is as follows:

   rename [options] <pattern> <replacement> <file(s)>

• The “pattern” specifies the text to be replaced in the file names.
• The “replacement” specifies the new text to replace the pattern.
• The “” parameter represents the file names or a regular expression to match the files you want to rename. For example, to replace the pattern “old” with “new” in the file names “oldfile1.txt”, “oldfile2.txt”, and “oldfile3.txt”, you can use the following command:

   rename 's/old/new/' oldfile*.txt

In this example, the ‘s/old/new/’ is a regular expression that performs a substitution, replacing “old” with “new”.

Note: The specific syntax and options of the “rename” command may vary depending on your Linux distribution. Use the “man rename” command to access the manual page for the “rename” command and get the specific syntax and options for your system.

3. Confirm the Renaming:
   Before running the “rename” command, it’s always a good idea to double-check the command and ensure it will rename the files as desired. You can use the “ls” command to list the files and verify the file names and patterns.
4. Execute the Command:
   Once you are satisfied with the “rename” command, press Enter to execute it. The command will rename the specified files according to the provided pattern and replacement.
5. Verify the Renaming:
   After running the “rename” command, you can use the “ls” command to verify that the files have been renamed according to your specifications.
6. Exiting the Command:
   Once you have completed the renaming process, you can continue executing other commands or exit the terminal as needed.

Remember to exercise caution when using the “rename” command, as it can permanently modify file names. It is always recommended to double-check the command and have a backup of the files before performing batch renaming operations.