MV(1)
NAME
mv − move or rename files
USAGE
mv [ −i ] [ −f ] [ − ] file1 file2
mv [ −i ] [ −f ] [ − ] file ... directory
DESCRIPTION
Mv moves (changes the name of) file1 to file2.
If file2 already exists, mv removes it before moving file1. If file2 has a mode that forbids writing, mv prints the mode and reads the standard input to obtain a line. If the line begins with y, the move takes place; if not, mv exits. See chmod(2) for more information about modes.
In addition to performing the activity described above, mv also moves one or more files (plain files or directories) to a specified directory, without changing the original filenames.
Mv refuses to move a file onto itself.
OPTIONS
−i Operate in interactive mode. Whenever a move is to supercede an existing file, prompt with filename followed by a question mark. Continue the move if a line beginning with y is encountered. Prevent the move from occurring if any other reply is received.
−f Override any mode restrictions or those imposed by the −i option.
− Interpret all the following arguments as filenames. This allows filenames starting with a dash.
CAUTIONS
If file1 and file2 lie on different file systems, mv must copy the file and delete the original. In this case, the owner name becomes that of the copying process and any linking relationship with other files is lost.