How do I rename a bunch of files at once? - UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

bbbngowc · #1 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008

I have about 3000+ files name P08DDD that I want to rename U08DDD. How can I do this using a single command?

DukeNuke2 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008

3000+ files in a SINGLE directory can not have the same name... so there has to be some more info?!

bbbngowc · #3 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008

I have about 3000+ files name P08DDD*** that I want to rename U08DDD***. How can I do this using a single command?

rubin · #4 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008

Code:

for i in P0*;  do mv "$i" U"${i#P}"; done

Franklin52 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008

Or with sed. Try it first without piping the command to sh to be shure you get the desired files:

Code:

ls | sed 's/...\(.*\)/U08\1/' | sh

Regards

bbbngowc · #6 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubin

Code:

for i in P0*;  do mv "$i" U"${i#P}"; done

Good job guys. This worked. Can you explain what this command is doing?

I understand for i in P0*
I understand do
I understand mv "$i"

I don't understand U"${i#P}"

I understand done

Dave Miller · #7 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbbngowc

I don't understand U"${i#P}"

Neither do I.

Curious minds...

What's it mean? Or, more importantly, what's it called so I can do research?

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