Linux Folder Name Change: How to Rename a Folder in Linux – Quick and Easy Steps

Are you looking to rename a folder in Linux but not sure how to do it? Renaming a folder in Linux is a simple task that can be done using the terminal. In this article, we will guide you through the quick and easy steps to rename a folder in Linux. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Linux user, this article will provide you with the necessary instructions to successfully change the name of a folder in Linux.

Introduction

Renaming a folder in Linux can be done using the terminal, which is a command-line interface that allows you to interact with the operating system. By using a few simple commands, you can easily change the name of a folder to better suit your needs. This can be useful when organizing your files or when you want to give a more descriptive name to a folder.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

The first step to rename a folder in Linux is to open the terminal. The terminal can be accessed by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard or by searching for “Terminal” in the applications menu.

Once the terminal is open, you will see a command prompt where you can enter commands.

Step 2: Navigate to the Directory

After opening the terminal, you need to navigate to the directory where the folder is located. This can be done using the cd command, which stands for “change directory”.

For example, if the folder you want to rename is located in the /home/user/Documents directory, you can navigate to that directory by entering the following command:

cd /home/user/Documents

Replace /home/user/Documents with the actual path to the directory where your folder is located.

Step 3: Use the mv Command

Once you are in the correct directory, you can use the mv command to rename the folder. The mv command is used to move or rename files and directories in Linux.

The syntax for the mv command is as follows:

mv current_folder_name new_folder_name

Replace current_folder_name with the name of the folder you want to rename, and new_folder_name with the desired new name for the folder.

Step 4: Execute the Command

After entering the mv command with the appropriate folder names, press Enter to execute the command. The folder will be renamed with the new name you specified.

For example, if you want to rename a folder named “old_folder” to “new_folder”, the command would be:

mv old_folder new_folder

Step 5: Verify the Folder Name Change

Once the command is executed, you can verify that the folder name has been changed by using the ls command. The ls command is used to list the files and directories in the current directory.

Enter the following command to list the contents of the directory:

ls

You should see the new folder name listed in the output.

Conclusion

Renaming a folder in Linux is a simple process that can be done using the terminal. By following the quick and easy steps outlined in this article, you can easily change the name of a folder to better suit your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Linux user, the instructions provided in this article will help you successfully rename a folder in Linux.

FAQs

Q: Can I rename a folder that is located in a different directory?

A: Yes, you can rename a folder that is located in a different directory. Simply navigate to the directory where the folder is located using the cd command, and then use the mv command to rename the folder.

Q: What happens if I try to rename a folder that does not exist?

A: If you try to rename a folder that does not exist, you will receive an error message indicating that the folder does not exist. Make sure you have entered the correct folder name and that the folder is located in the specified directory.

Q: Can I use the mv command to rename multiple folders at once?

A: No, the mv command can only be used to rename one folder at a time. If you want to rename multiple folders, you will need to use the mv command for each folder individually.