prename

Rename with Perl expression

$ prename 's/old/new/' [*.txt]

$ prename -n 's/pattern/replacement/' [files]

$ prename 'y/A-Z/a-z/' [*]

$ prename 's/ /_/g' [*]

$ prename 's/^/prefix_/' [*]

$ prename 's/(\.[^.]+)$/_suffix$1/' [*]

$ prename -v 's/old/new/' [files]

prename [-n] [-v] [-f] expression files

prename (Perl rename) renames files using Perl expressions. It provides powerful pattern-based renaming.
The s/// substitution operator replaces text. Global flag g replaces all occurrences.
Transliteration y/// transforms character sets. Useful for case changes.
Perl code can use $_ for filename. Complex transformations are possible.
Dry run shows what would happen. Always test patterns before applying.
Multiple expressions chain transformations. Each -e adds another operation.

-n, --no-act

Dry run, show changes.

Show renames.

Overwrite existing files.

Null-separated input.

Expression to apply.

Like -e but without warnings.

Perl syntax required. May conflict with util-linux rename. Use full path if needed.

prename was written by Larry Wall (creator of Perl) and is often distributed as rename with Perl. It's distinct from the simpler util-linux rename command.

rename(1), mv(1), mmv(1), perl(1)