Bash: populate a file name from present directory

Question

Edit: Using bash.

I am in a directory that has several files in it. As a quicker method than typing it out, I would like to get one of those file names to "type itself" on the command line.

So far, my command is

mv

I would now like to "select" a file name to "populate" onto the command line.

Hit Tab twice. and your shell ( to find out echo $SHELL or getent passwd $USER | cut -d: -f7) will show you your choices. — waltinator, Feb 21 '19 at 16:24
It now lists each file on a separate line below the line where I typed the command. But, how do I get one to populate on the command line (besides highlight and copy). — whitelightning, Feb 21 '19 at 16:30
You should type the first few characters of the filename, and hit Tab again. If what you typed uniquely specifies 1 file, that filename will be filled in, if not, you'll see another list. — waltinator, Feb 21 '19 at 16:33
I don't know of a shell that does that by default, you can do it with dialog (eg this). Or perhaps use something like mc, select file with cursors and then F6 to move/rename. — pbhj, Feb 21 '19 at 16:42
@waltinator that works. Do you want to put that as an answer and I will mark as accepted? — whitelightning, Feb 21 '19 at 17:26
Related: Select a particular result from completion suggestions — steeldriver, Feb 21 '19 at 18:11

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 21 '19 at 21:14

0

Hit Tab twice. and your shell ( to find out echo $SHELL or getent passwd $USER | cut -d: -f7) will show you your choices.

Then, type the first few characters of the filename, and hit Tab again. If what you typed uniquely specifies 1 file, that filename will be filled in, if not, you'll see another list.

answered Feb 21 '19 at 21:14

waltinator

36,399

I am finding that you don't need to press tab twice as the first step. Do you want to edit that part out? – whitelightning Feb 21 '19 at 22:34

Bash: populate a file name from present directory

1 Answers1