mv Command - Move or Rename Files

The mv command is used to move files or directories, or rename files or directories.

Syntax

mv [options] source target

Common Options

• -i: Interactive mode. Prompt before overwriting.
• -f: Force move without prompting.
• -u: Move only when the source is newer or the target does not exist.
• -v: Verbose mode. Show details of the move.

Examples

mv file1.txt /home/user/docs/

mv oldname.txt newname.txt

mv -i file1.txt /home/user/docs/

Notes

• The mv command does not modify file content, only the location or name.
• If the source and target are on the same filesystem, only the directory entry changes (very efficient).
• If moving across filesystems, mv copies and then deletes the source.