Pad File Names for Easy Organization and Access | Simple Code Solution

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In summary, the conversation is about a code that pads file names in a specific format with zeros. The code uses the 'dir' function to get information about the files in a directory and then filters only the .csv files. It then loops through the files and checks if the number in the file name is less than two digits. If it is, it pads it with a zero and then uses the 'movefile' function to rename the file. The conversation ends with the person sharing their code in case it helps others.
  • #1
member 428835
Hi PF!

I have a list of files data0.0.csv, data0.1.csv, data0.2.csv,...data0.10.csv... I would like to pad the central number with a zero for single digit cases, so that my files become data0.0.csv, data0.1.csv, data0.2.csv,...data0.10.csv... So far my code looks like this

Matlab:
% DEFINE FILE DIRECTORY
    path     = ('/home/josh/CSV_FILES/');
    addpath(path)
    
    % LOAD .csv FILES
    % INFO ABOUT FILE CONTENTS
    csv_info        = dir(path_intfce);
    
    % EXTRACT FILENAMES WITHIN FOLDER
    file_names      = {csv_info(:).name}';
    
    % FILTER ONLY .csv EXTENSIONS
    csv_files       = file_names(endsWith(file_names,'.csv'));

   % I AM GOOD UP TO HERE: EVERYTHING WORKS

    % PAD FILES
    for id = 1:length(csv_files)
        
          csv_num(id) = HELP! % SHOULD EXTRACT JUST CENTRAL NUMBER HERE

          % If numeric, rename
          if length('csv_num') < 2
              csv_num(id) = num2str(csv_num(id),'%02.d');
          end
    end

but then I think I would have to use the movefile function. Overall I am just very stuck. Please help!
 
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  • #2
Didn't get anything but after a long while I rigged this up. Works well for me. Sharing in case it helps others.

Matlab:
%%------------------------------------------------------------------------
% PADS FILE NAMES OF FORMAT nameNUMext
% I.E. myFile.10.csv ==> pad_files(path, myFile., .csv)
%
% INPUT: (FILE PATH, FILE NAME, FILE EXTENSION)
%%------------------------------------------------------------------------
function []    = pad_files(file_path, name, ext)

    % LAST / MUST BE REMOVED
    file_path  = file_path(1:end-1);
   
    % INFO ABOUT FILE CONTENTS
    file_info        = dir(file_path);
   
    % EXTRACT FILENAMES WITHIN FOLDER
    file_names      = {file_info(:).name}';
   
    % FILTER ONLY .csv EXTENSIONS
    selected_files       = file_names(endsWith(file_names, ext));
   
    % LENGTH OF ALL FILE STRINGS
    file_str_length = cellfun('length',selected_files);
   
    % LENGTH OF LONGEST STRING
    str_max = max(file_str_length);
   
    % IF FILE SMALLER THAN LARGEST, PAD
    for i = 1:length(selected_files)
        if length(selected_files{i}) < str_max
                       
            % FILE NUMBER TO BE PADDED (USE WHEN NAME FIRST)
            n = str2num(selected_files{i}( length(name) + 1 : end-length(ext) ));
           
            % FILE NUMBER TO BE PADDED (USE WHEN NAME LAST)
%             n = str2num(selected_files{i}( 1 : end-length(ext)-length(name) ));
           
            % PADDED FILE NUMBER !USER MUST SPECIFY!
            n_strPadded = sprintf( '%02d', n );
           
            % NAME (USE WHEN NAME LAST
            newName = strcat(name,n_strPadded,ext);
           
            % NAME (USE WHEN NAME FIRST
%             newName = strcat(n_strPadded,name,ext);

            movefile( fullfile(file_path, selected_files{i}), fullfile(file_path, newName) );
        end
    end
   
end
 

1. What is a pad file name?

A pad file name is a specific naming convention used to organize and access files in a simplified manner. It typically includes a brief description of the file's contents and any relevant keywords.

2. Why is it important to use pad file names?

Using pad file names allows for easy organization and access of files, making it quicker and more efficient to find specific documents. It also helps to avoid duplicate file names and confusion within a file system.

3. How do I create a pad file name?

To create a pad file name, start by thinking about the contents of the file and any important keywords. Then, use a combination of these words to create a brief and descriptive title for the file. It's also helpful to use consistent formatting, such as using all lowercase letters and separating words with underscores.

4. Can I change a pad file name?

Yes, you can change a pad file name at any time. However, it's important to make sure that the new name accurately reflects the contents of the file and follows the same formatting as other pad file names in your system.

5. Are there any tools or software that can help with pad file naming?

Yes, there are many tools and software available that can help with pad file naming. Some examples include file organization apps or programs that allow you to bulk rename files. Additionally, there are online resources that provide tips and guidelines for creating effective pad file names.

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