batch file move (>50k files) by file extension

[pagliacci19]

hi,

i am running a simulation which outputs files with extension *.foo. a large number of such files (>50k) are generated, and i would like to move them from their current directory to another directory.

i cannot use the usual scripts that make lists because i get the 'argument list too long' error. i think i need to use the 'find' command, with a test for the correct extension, and then a 'mv' command, but i am not familiar enough with the syntax to get it to work. i am going through the bash-scripting guide, but it seems a bit advanced for my purposes...i appreciate any suggestions.

[vsemaska]

Here's a find command that should work:

find /path/to/source -type f -maxdepth 1 -name "*.foo" -exec echo mv {} /path/to/dest/ \;

This will just print what the mv commands will look like. There will be a mv command for every file moved. If it looks OK then remove the 'echo' and run again to actually move the files. Refer to the find manpage for details about the options used.

[fiomba]

Hi,
the best solution is to zip all the 50000 files in one compressed file...

Bye.

[pagliacci19]

hi -- thanks for the suggestion.

i tried this short while ago and wanted to make certain it worked before posting a reply -- yes, that command works fine.

thanks again!