Renaming files with mv without typing the name two times (gist.github.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a bash script that allows users to rename files using the mv command without having to type the original file name twice. The script uses bash's built-in read command with the -ei option to allow users to edit the file name. Users can also use other methods such as Ctrl-W Ctrl-Y Ctrl-Y to achieve similar results. The script and alternative methods are useful for renaming files with complex names or for performing batch renames.

Main themes

• bash scripting
• file renaming
• command line techniques
• readline shortcuts
• brace expansion
• file management
• shell scripting
• batch processing

What commenters say

• Using bash's brace expansion can simplify file renaming tasks by allowing users to specify multiple file names at once.
• The mv command can be used with various options and techniques to achieve efficient file renaming.
• Some users prefer to use readline's Ctrl-W Ctrl-Y Ctrl-Y to rename files as it is a more general solution that works in many situations.
• Alternative methods such as using the rename command or other shell scripts can also be effective for renaming files.
• Some users find the script useful for renaming files with complex names, while others prefer more general solutions that work in a variety of situations.
• The use of eval and nested braces can allow for more complex file renaming tasks, but may also introduce security risks if not used carefully.
• Some users recommend using the -b option with the mv command to avoid overwriting existing files.
• The script and alternative methods can be useful for batch renaming files, but may require additional error checking and handling to ensure correct results.