mv
Move or rename files and directories.
Synopsis
mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... DEST
Examples
mv old.txt new.txt
mv *.jpg ~/Pictures/
mv -i dir1/ dir2/
mv -v src/*.ts dist/
Common options
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| -i | Prompt before overwriting |
| -f | Force overwrite without prompting |
| -v | Verbose output |
| -n | Do not overwrite existing files |
| -u | Move only when source is newer |
About mv
The `mv` command move or rename files and directories. 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 5 commonly used flags shown above, though the full set of options is available in the man page (`man mv`). The 4 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