How to Rename Directories in PHP with Examples

You can rename a directory in PHP using the rename() function. Here is the basic syntax:

Syntax:

rename('old_directory_name', 'new_directory_name');

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✅ Example 1: Rename a Directory

<?php
$oldName = 'old_folder';
$newName = 'new_folder';

if (rename($oldName, $newName)) {
    echo "Directory renamed successfully!";
} else {
    echo "Error: Unable to rename directory.";
}
?>

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✅ Example 2: Check if Directory Exists Before Renaming

<?php
$oldName = 'old_folder';
$newName = 'new_folder';

if (is_dir($oldName)) {
    if (!file_exists($newName)) {
        if (rename($oldName, $newName)) {
            echo "Directory renamed successfully!";
        } else {
            echo "Error: Failed to rename.";
        }
    } else {
        echo "Error: New directory name already exists.";
    }
} else {
    echo "Error: Old directory does not exist.";
}
?>

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✅ Permissions Consideration

Ensure the script has write permissions on both the old and new directory paths.

chmod -R 775 old_folder

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✅ Rename Directory Across Different Paths

<?php
$oldPath = '/var/www/html/old_folder';
$newPath = '/var/www/html/new_folder';

if (rename($oldPath, $newPath)) {
    echo "Directory moved and renamed successfully!";
} else {
    echo "Error: Unable to move and rename directory.";
}
?>

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✅ Common Errors and Fixes

1. Directory not found – Ensure the path exists and is correct.
2. Permission issues – Grant appropriate permissions using chmod.
3. Target directory exists – Ensure the new directory name is unique.

Would you like help with more advanced directory handling? 🚀