How can i truncate filenmes? - UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Calum · #1 07-16-2007

I am using FC6 just in case it matters, though i hope it doesn't.

If i have a file or some files that i want to truncate the filename of, so that it is only a certain number of characters in length, how would i do that on the command line?

Also, just to make it more interesting, say i wanted to keep the filename extension... would that be possible also? for example, the input filename would be something like a-ridiculously-long-filename_That_You_Wouldnt-give-to-your-WORST_enemy.TXT and then you run a command to truncate it to (say) 24 characters and you end up with a file called a-ridiculously-long-.TXT which is 24 characters, but the final four characters are the same file extension (including dot) from the original filename.

For extra marks, though it's not something i think i'll actually use at the moment, any way to make that sensitive to different file extensions? For example, files ending in longer extensions or with more then one ot, like *.flac or *.tar.gz

Thanks in advance, all!

jim mcnamara · #2 07-16-2007

Try:

Code:

#!/bin/ksh
find /path -type -f | \
while read filename
do
	file=${filename%%.*}
	ext=${filename##*.}
	if [[ ${#file} -gt 24 ]] ; then
	     shorter=`expr $file 1 24`
	     mv $filename "$shorter"."$ext
	fi     
done

radoulov · #3 07-16-2007

Use zsh (sudo yum -y install zsh, if not already present):

Code:

% ls
a-ridiculously-long-filename_That_You_Wouldnt-give-to-your-WORST_enemy.TXT
a-ridiculously-long-filename_That_You_Wouldnt-give-to-your-WORST_enemy.TXT.tar.gz
% autoload -U zmv
% zmv -n '(*).*' '${f[1,$((23-${#f#*.}))]}.${f#*.}'
mv -- a-ridiculously-long-filename_That_You_Wouldnt-give-to-your-WORST_enemy.TXT a-ridiculously-long-.TXT
mv -- a-ridiculously-long-filename_That_You_Wouldnt-give-to-your-WORST_enemy.TXT.tar.gz a-ridiculousl.TXT.tar.gz

Remove -n to execute.

Calum · #4 07-19-2007

thanks folks! quite surprised to see a ksh and a csh response and no sh/bash ones! well, this means i don't properly understand the examples, since i have only ever used bash but perhaps this is y opportunity to start getting familiar with csh and ksh.

thanks again...

radoulov · #5 07-19-2007

csh ?

(message too short)

Calum · #6 07-19-2007

sorry, i meant zsh, I'm always getting those pesky letters of the alphabet mixed up!

Shell_Life · #7 07-20-2007

Calum,
Here is a solution in plain shell:

Code:

#!/bin/sh
mName24=`echo ${mFullName} | cut -c1-24`
mExt=`echo ${mFullName} | sed 's/.*\(\..*\)/\1/'`
m24PlusExt=${mName24}${mExt}

More UNIX and Linux Forum Topics You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Truncate Log files	anonymous1	Shell Programming and Scripting	1	10-21-2007 04:05 PM
* Truncate certain field *	sannmayaz	UNIX for Advanced & Expert Users	2	08-15-2007 07:14 AM
Truncate File contain	rinku	Shell Programming and Scripting	2	05-30-2007 03:43 AM
How to truncate as filesize?	Lestat	Shell Programming and Scripting	1	06-07-2005 12:24 PM
Truncate what is It?	rocker40	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	2	10-11-2003 04:40 AM

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode