UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Is there a command I can use to rename all directories with a certain name to a new name. For instance from my root directory I want to change all folders named '123' to '321' that are in the root directory or any subdirectory.
Thanks in advance!

mkingrey,
Since this will rename directories, please, first try the following
displaying it only.
Do not remove the comments in the "mv" line until you are completely
satisfied with the displays:

Code:

PrevName="123"
NewName="321"
for iFile in `find . -type d -name $PrevName`
do
  oFile=`echo $iFile | sed "s/\(.*\)$PrevName/\1${NewName}/"`
  echo "iFile = <"${iFile}"> oFile = <"$oFile">"
  #######mv $iFile $oFile
done

PrevName="123"
NewName="321"
for iFile in `find . -type d -name $PrevName`
do
oFile=`echo $iFile | sed "s/\(.*\)$PrevName/\1${NewName}/"`
echo "iFile = <"${iFile}"> oFile = <"$oFile">"
#######mv $iFile $oFile
done



Thanks, I am actually trying to rename directories instead of files...will the above work for what I need it for? (I just changed the type from f to d)

Mkingrey,
Try it.
With the comment in the "mv" statement, it will only display.

Probably need to add the "-depth" option to the find command else once a directory is renamed it will invalidate any renames that need to happen within it.

Code:

find . -type d -depth -name $PrevName

How can I make this prompt me to enter the PrevName and NewName when the program is first run?

Also do I just need to save this somewhere on my unix box use chmod filename to compile and then enter the file name at the command prompt?

Thanks!!

Mkingrey,
One way to prompt for a variable:

Code:

echo "Enter name: "
read mVar