Renaming files

To rename a file on a UNIX system, use the mv (move) command. You can also use mv to ``move'' a file from one directory to another. To rename a file using mv, type mv, the name of the file you want to rename, the new name you want to call it, and press <Enter>.

mv mydir/afile /tmp

For example, if you want to rename the file mytodo as monday, type:

mv mytodo monday

If you want to move monday to the temporary directory /tmp, type:

mv monday /tmp

Try making a directory for to-do lists and moving the file mytodo into it. (If you do not have the file mytodo from the writing and editing lessons in Chapter 4, ``Writing and editing'', use the cat command or the vi editor to create a file called mytodo containing a to-do list. See Chapter 4, ``Writing and editing'' for instructions.)

1. If you are not already in your home directory, type cd and press <Enter>.

2. Type mkdir Todos and press <Enter> to create a directory called Todos.

3. Move mytodo to the new directory by typing mv mytodo Todos and pressing <Enter>.
   

4. Check the contents of the Todos directory by typing ls Todos and pressing <Enter>.

   $ mkdir Todos
   $ mv mytodo Todos
   $ ls Todos
   mytodo