Does the cp command has a rename option?

dave555 · 04-10-2020, 11:32 AM

Hello linux fans,

Does the cp command has a rename switch to prompt me to rename the file if a file exists?

The -i option will propmt to ovrrwrite the file.

Just curious to know if there is a rename option for cp or if there is a commnd that offers this option.

Thanks

rtmistler · 04-10-2020, 11:42 AM

By typing the arguments for cp a certain way it will do the rename.

Perhaps you can expand your question because if one types:

Code:

$ cp orig-file.txt dest-file.txt

It makes a copy of orig-file.txt and names that copy to the name specified by dest-file.txt.

There is a rename command by the way.

If you're looking to make copies of multiple files, you can do that and then use rename, along with the find command to work in your favor, but we have little idea exactly what you're trying to do.

Turbocapitalist · 04-10-2020, 11:49 AM

You could look into the --backup option or maybe the --suffix option. See "man cp"

Code:

cp --archive --backup=numbered /source/* /destination/.

dave555 · 04-10-2020, 12:47 PM

This is what i wanted to do.

Code:

cp -v source/* dist/

if file(s) in source folder exist in dist folder with similar names, i would like cp to prompt me if i want to rename it.

dave555 · 04-10-2020, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbocapitalist

You could look into the --backup option or maybe the --suffix option. See "man cp"

Code:

cp --archive --backup=numbered /source/* /destination/.

I'm not at my computer right now, but i will try this and report the results. Thanks

scasey · 04-10-2020, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave555

This is what i wanted to do.

Code:

cp -v source/* dist/

if file(s) in source folder exist in dist folder with similar names, i would like cp to prompt me if i want to rename it.

That command should do just that. Prompt you to OK the replacement of a target file. The verbose is not required, but won’t hurt.

michaelsavage · 04-10-2020, 06:31 PM

cp -i source/* dist/ will copy the files to the dist and ask if you want to overwrite the file

scasey · 04-10-2020, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelsavage

cp -i source/* dist/ will copy the files to the dist and ask if you want to overwrite the file

cp -i will prompt for every file, whether or not there is a matching file in the destination. The message will be different if there is a matching file, but -i requires a response for each file in the source.

Probably the best way to see how things work is to just try them.

jefro · 04-10-2020, 08:22 PM

Many of the members here are super at making scripts. To get more fine grain on your work maybe some script may do it??