Master PHP’s rename() Function: Rename Files & Directories Easily

Introduction

In PHP, the rename() function is used to rename files or directories. It provides a simple way to change the name of a file or directory by specifying the source and target names.

Syntax

bool rename ( string $source , string $target )

Parameters

$source

: Required. The name of the source file or directory. $target: Required. The name of the target file or directory.

Return Value

Returns TRUE on success, FALSE on failure.

Example

Renaming a file:

<?php
$old_name = "old_file.txt";
$new_name = "new_file.txt";

if (rename($old_name, $new_name)) {
    echo "File renamed successfully!";
} else {
    echo "File rename failed!";
}
?>

Renaming a directory:

<?php
$old_name = "old_directory";
$new_name = "new_directory";

if (rename($old_name, $new_name)) {
    echo "Directory renamed successfully!";
} else {
    echo "Directory rename failed!";
}
?>

Notes

The rename() function may be limited by file system permissions. Ensure you have sufficient rights, and that the source exists; otherwise the function returns FALSE.

Summary

The rename() function is a powerful PHP tool for renaming files and directories by specifying source and target names, with examples demonstrating its usage.