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About namefix.pl

namefix.pl is a file renaming utility originally published on SourceForge on May 30, 2006, making it one of the earliest and most comprehensive tools of its kind. Designed to provide a powerful and customizable solution for renaming and organizing files—particularly media files—it supports both command-line interface (CLI) and graphical user interface (GUI) functionalities.

With features like batch renaming, regex-based renaming, and platform independence, namefix.pl has been a favorite among technical users for decades. Its flexibility and ease of use have made it a trusted tool for renaming media collections, cleaning up filenames, and managing files effectively.

One standout feature in the GUI is block renaming, which simplifies bulk renaming tasks. Users can copy and paste a multiline text of new filenames into a "destination" text window, while a "source" text window displays the original filenames. This feature also allows users to selectively remove files from the renaming list, providing a high level of control.

Over the years, several other projects have adopted the name "Namefix," often offering a smaller subset of features compared to this tool. Despite this, namefix.pl remains the original namefix tool, with a legacy spanning nearly two decades. Its focus on user needs and continuous improvements underscores its position as the most robust and reliable solution available.


Notable Mentions

  • CNET Download Featured on CNET's download platform, showcasing its recognition as a trusted and useful tool for file renaming.

  • FreeBSD FreshPorts Included in FreeBSD’s ports collection, highlighting its utility and importance in open-source ecosystems. This was a significant milestone in the project’s history.

  • FSF Directory Listed in the Free Software Directory, demonstrating its alignment with free and open-source software principles.

  • Unix.com Mentioned in the Unix community as a useful tool, reflecting its impact among technically skilled users.


Features

  • Batch Renaming: Process multiple files at once to save time and effort.
  • Regex-Based Renaming: Advanced pattern matching for precise renaming tasks.
  • Block Renaming (GUI): Copy and paste multiline text for new filenames using "source" and "destination" text windows, with the ability to exclude files from the list.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Runs seamlessly on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
  • CLI and GUI Options: Flexibility for both power users and casual users.
  • Customizable: Modify settings and rules to suit your specific file renaming needs.

Future Plans

I aspire to rebuild namefix.pl in a modern language, perhaps C# or even Python. While I hold a deep affection for Perl, the language that, along with Linux, helped build my career, I see potential in leveraging my improved skill set to refresh the codebase. Whether through a rewrite in a modern language or an update to the existing Perl code, the goal remains the same: to enhance and modernize this tool for today's users.


Getting Started

Visit the official SourceForge page or explore the GitHub repository to download the latest version. For installation and usage instructions, refer to the documentation or reach out to the community for support.