Overview
The `rename` command is a powerful tool used to change large numbers of filenames according to specific rules. This command can find and replace specific strings in filenames using Perl regular expression syntax like `s/old_pattern/new_pattern/`. For example, you can easily automate tasks such as changing all `.jpeg` extensions to `.jpg`, or replacing spaces in filenames with underscores (`_`).
Key Features
Key features of the `rename` command include:
- Renames multiple files at once.
- Provides powerful pattern substitution functionality based on regular expressions.
- Optimized for batch operations, unlike the `mv` command which renames files one by one.
- Supports a `dry run` mode to preview changes, helping prevent mistakes.
Differences between rename and mv
Both `rename` and `mv` are used to change file names, but they differ in functionality and purpose.
- rename: Specialized in batch renaming multiple files based on patterns.
- mv: Used to rename or move a single file or directory. Renaming multiple files requires a script.
Key Options
Commonly used `rename` command options are grouped by purpose.
1) Batch Renaming
2) Help
Generated command:
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Description:
`rename` Executes the command.
Combine the above options to virtually execute commands with AI.
Usage Examples
Learn the functionality of the `rename` command through various usage examples.
Change File Extension
rename 's/\.jpeg$/.jpg/' *.jpegChanges all `.jpeg` extensions to `.jpg` in the current directory.
Change Specific String in Filename
rename 's/^image_/photo_/' *.jpegChanges `image_` to `photo_` in all filenames starting with `image_`.
Replace Spaces with Underscores
rename 's/ /_/g' *Replaces all spaces (` `) in filenames with underscores (`_`).
Convert Uppercase to Lowercase
rename 'y/A-Z/a-z/' *Converts all uppercase letters in filenames to lowercase.
Preview Changes
rename -n 's/.html/.txt/' *.htmlPreviews the result of changing `.html` extensions to `.txt` without actually modifying the files.
Installation
The `rename` command is not included by default in all Linux distributions, so you may need to install it using the commands below. On some distributions, the package name might be different, such as `perl-rename` or `prename`.
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt install renameRHEL/CentOS/Fedora
sudo dnf install prenameArch Linux
sudo pacman -S perl-renameTips & Cautions
Important considerations when using the `rename` command.
Tips
- In regular expressions, a dot (`.`) matches any character. Therefore, when changing extensions, you must escape it with a backslash (`\`), for example, `\.jpeg`.
- Since `rename` is a powerful tool, it's always recommended to use the `-n` option first to preview the results and prevent mistakes.
- If filenames contain spaces, they should be enclosed in quotes (`"`) when passed as arguments.