Cheat Sheet #day46

`mv` Command Cheatsheet

The mv command in Unix/Linux is used to move or rename files and directories. It stands for "move" and can be a powerful tool when used effectively. Below are the basic and advanced usages of the mv command along with practical examples.

Basic Usage

Move a file to another directory

  mv source_file /destination/directory/

Rename a file
```
  mv old_filename new_filename
```

Common Options

Interactive mode (prompt before overwrite)

  mv -i source_file /destination/directory/

Force move without prompting

  mv -f source_file /destination/directory/

Verbose mode (show what is being done)

  mv -v source_file /destination/directory/

Backup the destination file if it exists

  mv -b source_file /destination/directory/

Create a backup with a specific suffix

  mv --suffix=.bak source_file /destination/directory/

Update only if the source file is newer

  mv -u source_file /destination/directory/

Examples

Move a single file
```
  mv file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Rename a file
```
  mv file.txt new_file.txt
```

Move multiple files to a directory

  mv file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt /home/user/Documents/

Move a directory

  mv /home/user/Downloads /home/user/Documents/

Interactive move (prompt before overwrite)
```
  mv -i file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Verbose move
```
  mv -v file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```

Advanced Usage

Move all files with a specific extension
```
  mv *.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Move files using a wildcard and rename
```
  mv *2023.log /home/user/Logs/
```
Move and overwrite only if the source file is newer
```
  mv -u file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```
Create a backup of files being overwritten
```
  mv -b file.txt /home/user/Documents/
```

Create a backup with a custom suffix

  mv --suffix=.old file.txt /home/user/Documents/

Practical Tips

Safety First: Use the -i option to prevent accidental overwrites.
Backup: Use the -b option or --suffix to keep backups of overwritten files.
Verbose Mode: Use -v to see exactly what mv is doing, useful for debugging scripts.

Quick Reference

Move a file:

  mv source_file /destination/directory/

Rename a file:
```
  mv old_filename new_filename
```

Interactive mode:

  mv -i source_file /destination/directory/

Force move:

  mv -f source_file /destination/directory/

Verbose mode:

  mv -v source_file /destination/directory/

Backup before overwriting:

  mv -b source_file /destination/directory/

Update only if newer:

  mv -u source_file /destination/directory/

This cheatsheet covers the essential commands and options for using mv effectively, from basic file moves and renaming to more advanced file management tasks. Adjust the commands according to your specific requirements and environment.

Cheat Sheet #day46 - mv

mv Command Cheatsheet