How To Rename Linux Directory

Renaming directories in Linux is a common task for system administrators and users alike. Whether you’re looking to organize your files more efficiently or simply want to give a directory a more descriptive name, renaming a directory is a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to renaming a directory in Linux using different methods.

Using the mv Command

The mv command in Linux is primarily used to move files or directories from one location to another. However, it can also be used to rename directories. Here’s how you can use the mv command to rename a directory:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Enter the following command, replacing “old_name” with the current directory name and “new_name” with the desired new name:

“`bash
mv old_name new_name
“`

For example, if you have a directory named “documents” and want to rename it to “work_documents,” the command would be:

“`bash
mv documents work_documents
“`

After running the command, the directory will be renamed to the new name specified.

Using the rename Command

The rename command in Linux is specifically designed for renaming multiple files or directories at once. Here’s how you can use the rename command to rename a directory:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Enter the following command, replacing “old_name” with the current directory name and “new_name” with the desired new name:

“`bash
rename ‘s/old_name/new_name/’ *
“`

For example, if you have multiple directories with the name “data” and want to rename them to “data_archive,” the command would be:

“`bash
rename ‘s/data/data_archive/’ *
“`

The rename command will search for directories matching the specified pattern and rename them accordingly.

Using GUI File Managers

Linux distributions often come with GUI file managers that provide a user-friendly interface for managing files and directories. Here’s how you can rename a directory using popular file managers:

Nautilus (GNOME File Manager)

1. Open the Nautilus file manager.
2. Navigate to the directory you want to rename.
3. Right-click on the directory and select “Rename” from the context menu.
4. Enter the new name for the directory and press Enter.

The directory will be renamed to the new name specified.

Dolphin (KDE File Manager)

1. Open the Dolphin file manager.
2. Locate the directory you want to rename.
3. Right-click on the directory and select “Rename” from the context menu.
4. Enter the new name for the directory and press Enter.

The directory will be renamed to the new name specified.

Using the GUI Terminal Emulator

Some Linux distributions provide a GUI-based terminal emulator that combines the power of the command line with a graphical interface. Here’s how you can rename a directory using a GUI terminal emulator:

1. Open the GUI terminal emulator.
2. Navigate to the directory you want to rename using the file explorer built into the terminal emulator.
3. Right-click on the directory and select “Rename” from the context menu.
4. Enter the new name for the directory and press Enter.

The directory will be renamed to the new name specified.

Conclusion

Renaming directories in Linux is a simple task that can be accomplished using various methods. Whether you prefer the command line or a graphical interface, Linux provides multiple options for renaming directories to suit your needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently rename directories in Linux and organize your files effectively.