basename
Strip directory and optional suffix from a file path to get the filename.
Synopsis
basename NAME [SUFFIX]
Examples
basename /home/user/doc.txt
basename /home/user/doc.txt .txt
basename -a /a/b.c /d/e.f
Common options
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| -a | Support multiple arguments |
| -s | Remove a trailing suffix |
| -z | Separate output with NUL, not newline |
About basename
The `basename` command strip directory and optional suffix from a file path to get the filename. File operation commands are essential for navigating and managing the Linux filesystem.
They form the backbone of everyday system administration and development workflows. Mastering these commands enables you to efficiently create, move, copy, and organize files and directories from the terminal, which is often faster and more scriptable than graphical alternatives.
The command accepts 3 commonly used flags shown above, though the full set of options is available in the man page (`man basename`). The 3 examples on this page cover typical real-world usage patterns that you can copy and adapt for your own workflows.
Related commands
More File Operations Commands
Other commands in the File Operations category