What does the 'mv [file1 name] [file2 name]' command do?

Explore the Linux Fundamentals Test. Revise with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your Linux exam!

The command 'mv [file1 name] [file2 name]' is primarily used to rename a file or folder. When you provide the name of an existing file (file1) and a new name (file2), the 'mv' command effectively changes the name of the first file to the second one.

It's important to note that if the destination name already exists and is a file, ‘mv’ will overwrite it. This behavior of the command serves both the renaming and moving functionalities, because if you specify a different path, it can also relocate the file to a new directory while renaming it in the process.

The other options do not reflect the capabilities of the 'mv' command. Creating a file is typically done with commands like 'touch' or 'echo'; determining the type of a file is usually done using the 'file' command; and deleting a file or folder is accomplished with the 'rm' command. Thus, the only correct interpretation of the 'mv' command in this context is its role in renaming files or folders.

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