BASH script for batch renaming FLAC/MP3 files with a given prefix

prefix.sh

#!/bin/bash

# This script was written entirely by Claude.ai, with prompts by jmatthewturner. 
# It does what I need well enough, so I'm not taking the time to refine it.
# But I still wanted to share in case anyone else finds it useful.
#
# It's purpose is to batch rename a group of music files, as part of a larger
# project to get a Kenwood Excelon head unit working properly with USB MP3s.
# Details of the larger project are here: 
# https://jmatthewturner.wordpress.com/2025/05/29/usb-mp3-functionality-on-kenwood-excelon-head-units/
#
# https://gist.github.com/jmatthewturner/68927ab4b9498514f4f91216aeb00c46
#
# Everything after this line is AI generated.

# Script to add a prefix to all MP3 and FLAC filenames in the current directory

# Prompt user for the string to use as prefix
echo "Enter the string to add as prefix to all MP3 and FLAC filenames:"
read PREFIX_STRING

# Check if user provided input
if [ -z "$PREFIX_STRING" ]; then
    echo "Error: No prefix provided. Exiting."
    exit 1
fi

# Counter for renamed files
count=0

# Confirm with the user
echo "This will add '$PREFIX_STRING' as a prefix to all MP3 and FLAC filenames in the current directory."
echo "Are you sure you want to continue? (y/n)"
read confirm

# Check user confirmation
if [[ ! "$confirm" =~ ^[Yy] ]]; then
    echo "Operation cancelled."
    exit 0
fi

# Iterate through MP3 and FLAC files in the current directory
for file in *.mp3 *.flac; do
    # Skip if it's a directory, the script itself, or if no files were found
    if [ -d "$file" ] || [ "$file" = "$(basename "$0")" ] || [ "$file" = "*.mp3" ] || [ "$file" = "*.flac" ]; then
        continue
    fi
    
    # Create the new filename with prefix
    new_filename="${PREFIX_STRING}${file}"
    
    # Rename the file
    mv "$file" "$new_filename"
    
    # Increment the counter and print feedback
    ((count++))
    echo "Renamed: $file -> $new_filename"
done

echo "Complete! Renamed $count files."