The mv command in Linux explained
The mv command moves or renames files and folders. It is one of the most useful commands for anyone using a live USB drive or a fresh Linux install.
Syntax
mv source destination
Examples
mv old.txt new.txt: rename a filemv report.pdf ~/Documents: move a file
Tip
There is no separate rename command, because moving to a new name is renaming.
Keep learning
New to the terminal? Start with Linux terminal basics. You can try every command safely from a live session: see how to try Linux without installing it. Run man mv in a terminal for the full manual.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see every option for mv?
Run man mv for the full manual, or try mv --help for a short summary.
Do I need sudo to run mv?
Not for your own files. You only need sudo when the command changes something owned by the system or another user.
Is it safe to practise mv on a live USB drive?
Mostly yes, because a live session starts fresh each time. Be careful with commands that write to your internal disk, such as rm on a mounted drive or dd.