Unlock the Power of File Renaming

When it comes to managing files, one of the most essential functions is renaming. Whether you need to update a file’s name or move it to a different location, the rename() function is here to help.

How the rename() Function Works

This powerful function takes two arguments: oldname and newname. The oldname parameter points to the string containing the current name of the file, including its path. The newname parameter, on the other hand, points to the string containing the desired new name of the file, along with its new path.

int rename(const char *oldname, const char *newname);

What to Expect from the rename() Function

So, what happens when you call the rename() function? If the file is successfully renamed, the function returns a value of zero. However, if an error occurs, it returns a non-zero value.

Real-World Examples

Let’s take a closer look at how the rename() function works in practice.

Renaming a File

In our first example, we’ll try to rename a file.

#include <stdio.h>
#include <unistd.h>

int main() {
    int result = rename("oldfile.txt", "newfile.txt");
    if (result == 0) {
        printf("File renamed successfully\n");
    } else {
        printf("Error renaming file: %m\n");
    }
    return 0;
}

If the file exists and is successfully renamed, the output will be:

File renamed successfully

But what if the file doesn’t exist? In that case, the output will be:

Error renaming file: No such file or directory

Moving Files with Ease

The rename() function is not just limited to renaming files. You can also use it to move a file to a different location. Simply provide a different path for the new name of the file, and the function will take care of the rest.

int result = rename("oldfile.txt", "/new/path/newfile.txt");
if (result == 0) {
    printf("File moved successfully\n");
} else {
    printf("Error moving file: %m\n");
}

If the file is successfully moved, the output will be:

File moved successfully

And if the file doesn’t exist? You guessed it – the output will be:

Error moving file: No such file or directory

With the rename() function, managing your files has never been easier.