Copy files from many subdirectories into a unique directory

anraf4 · 09-05-2017, 03:43 PM

I have many subdirectories, which all contains 2 files, and I would like every file to be all in one directory.

What I have:

ls /Folder1/
file11.txt
file12.txt

ls /Folder2/
file21.txt
file22.txt

ls /Folder3/
file31.txt
file32.txt
...

What I want:

ls /NewFolder/
file11.txt
file12.txt
file21.txt
file22.txt
file31.txt
file32.txt
...

Thanks for your help!!

MadeInGermany · 09-05-2017, 03:59 PM

Is this homework/coursework?

rtmistler · 09-05-2017, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadeInGermany

Is this homework/coursework?

Also, what have you, anraf4, tried.

Please review LQs FAQ and update your question with some additional background.

aragorn2101 · 09-06-2017, 03:40 AM

Hi anraf4,

I think the philosophy of the Linux community is one of sharing and mutual help. But we also expect you at least try to help yourself first.

I'll give you a lead. Basically, mv works like this:

Code:

mv SOURCE DESTINATION

The source can be any file(s) anywhere and the destination can be any directory anywhere. So, I think you should give it a try and see.

Also, read the man pages for more info.

If you're not sure, use the copy command cp for a start; in case of mistake you won't be losing the source files.

chrism01 · 09-06-2017, 04:43 AM

You might also find the 'find' cmd useful

anraf4 · 09-06-2017, 08:06 AM

(1) No, this is not a homework.

(2) Every of my files contains a fastq.gz extension, so I type this command and it worked.
mv ./*/*fastq.gz ./NewFolder

Thanks everyone!

rtmistler · 09-06-2017, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anraf4

(1) No, this is not a homework.

(2) Every of my files contains a fastq.gz extension, so I type this command and it worked.
mv ./*/*fastq.gz ./NewFolder

Thanks everyone!

Well have you considered a "find -exec" command type? Are you aware of that option? And are there other .gz files which could be found?

Because you can type something attune to:

Code:

find . -name "*fastq.gz" -exec mv {} ./NewFolder \;

The command you do type, is it a new point you've reached which does work, or is it what you've been typing and you're looking for a new way?

MadeInGermany · 09-07-2017, 10:48 AM

./ means located in the current directory.
This can be used for clarification, but is not needed.
Like you simply do

Code:

cd NewFolder
cd ..

that works like

Code:

cd ./NewFolder
cd ./..

you can simply do

Code:

mv */*fastq.gz NewFolder