Rename Multiple Files and Directories with mvdir
Productivity Sauce
Here is a problem: you need to give a bunch of DSC_xxx.JPG files meaningful names like Berlin_May_1981.JPG, Tokyo_Trip_1973.JPG, and so on. The mvdir Bash shell script dramatically simplifies this otherwise tedious task. The script scans the specified path and opens a list of all found files and directories in a default text editor. Edit then the names, and the script automatically renames the modified files and directories when you close the editor.
To install the script on your system, create a new file in a text editor, paste the code in the file, and save under the mvdir name in the /usr/local/bin directory. Make then the script executable using the chmod +x ~/usr/local/bin/mvdir command. Alternatively, you can put the script into the ~/bin directory which is automatically added to your path. If this is not the case, add the following code to the ~/.bashrc file:
if [ -d $HOME/bin ]; then PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin fi
To use the script, run the mvdir path/to/dir command, where path/to/dir is the path to the directory containing the files you want to rename.
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.