Renaming files in MATLAB

Question

I'm trying to programmatically rename a file in the working directory from a = 'temp.txt' to b = 'hello.txt'. How would you suggest doing so? Is there an easy file renaming function in MATLAB?

Answer 1

I think you're looking for MOVEFILE.

Answer 2

Here's a list of a few solutions:

• Use the MOVEFILE function (as suggested by mtrw).

• Use the SYSTEM function to execute an operating system command. For example (on Windows):

  system('rename temp.txt hello.txt');
  system(['rename ' a ' ' b]);  % If the file names are stored in strings
  

• Use the shell escape operator (!) to invoke a system command. For example (on Windows):

  !rename temp.txt hello.txt
  

  If the file names are stored in strings, you would need to use EVAL:

  a = 'temp.txt';
  b = 'hello.txt';
  eval(['!rename ' a ' ' b]);