renames

Renames refer to the act of changing the published name of an entity. In everyday use this can apply to people, brands, organizations, and places, as well as to digital resources such as files, variables, or records. The renaming process typically preserves the underlying resource while altering its identifier, which can have wide-ranging implications for references, discoverability, and identity.

In computing, a rename is a common file system operation that changes the pathname of a resource without creating a new file. On many systems the operation can be atomic if performed within the same filesystem, meaning the change appears instantaneous to users. Cross-filesystem renames may instead involve a copy and delete. Common tools include command-line utilities such as mv or a dedicated rename command, and system calls or library functions in programming languages (for example, os.rename in Python or Files.move in Java). Renaming a file may or may not update metadata such as links and shortcuts, and existing references to the old name may break unless they are updated.

Version control systems treat renames as part of the history of a project. Git, for example, records renames as a delete-and-add sequence unless rename detection is enabled. This can affect how changes are reviewed and how history is traced. In databases and programming, renaming tables, columns, variables, or functions may require updating dependent code, queries, and documentation to reflect the new identifiers.

Renames also occur in branding and personal identity. Corporate renaming or rebranding can signal strategic shifts, mergers, or market repositioning, while individuals may legally change names for personal reasons. Across contexts, renames necessitate careful governance to maintain consistency, minimize disruption, and preserve traceability.