mv (move and rename) in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the mv command do in Linux?

The mv command moves files or directories from one location to another. It can also rename files or directories by moving them to the same location with a new name.

beginner

How do you rename a file using mv?

To rename a file, use mv oldname newname. This moves the file oldname to the same directory but with the new name newname.

intermediate

What happens if you use mv to move a file to a directory that already has a file with the same name?

The existing file in the destination directory will be overwritten without warning, replacing it with the moved file.

beginner

How can you move multiple files to a directory using mv?

You list all the files you want to move followed by the destination directory. For example: mv file1.txt file2.txt /path/to/destination/.

intermediate

What option can you use with mv to ask before overwriting files?

Use the -i option (interactive). It prompts you to confirm before overwriting any existing files.

What does the command mv file1.txt file2.txt do if both files are in the same directory?

A Copies file1.txt to file2.txt

B Renames file1.txt to file2.txt

C Deletes file2.txt

D Moves file2.txt to file1.txt

The mv command renames file1.txt to file2.txt by moving it to the same directory with a new name.

Which option with mv asks for confirmation before overwriting a file?

A -v

B -f

C -i

D -r

The -i option makes mv interactive, asking before overwriting files.

What happens if you move a file to a directory where a file with the same name exists and you do not use any options?

A The move fails

B The file is renamed automatically

C The command asks for confirmation

D The existing file is overwritten without warning

By default, mv overwrites existing files without asking.

How do you move multiple files to a directory?

A mv file1 file2 /directory

B mv /directory/file1 /directory/file2

C mv file1 /directory file2

D mv /directory file1 file2

You list the files first, then the destination directory.

Which command renames a directory named 'oldfolder' to 'newfolder'?

A mv oldfolder newfolder

B mv newfolder oldfolder

C rename oldfolder newfolder

D cp oldfolder newfolder

Using mv with the old and new directory names renames the directory.

Explain how to rename a file and move a file to a different directory using the mv command.

Think about moving a file within the same folder vs moving it to another folder.

Describe what happens when you move a file to a directory where a file with the same name already exists. How can you avoid accidental overwrites?

Consider safety options in commands.