How to Replace the First Number in Multiple Files to Match the File Name Using PowerShell

Learn how to change the first number in file metadata to match the file name with PowerShell. This guide provides simple steps and code snippets for batch file processing.
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How to Replace the First Number in Multiple Files to Match the File Name Using PowerShell

Managing large sets of files can often lead to tedious tasks that require precise control over metadata. One common problem that users face is the need to synchronize file contents—particularly when the contents include identifiers or numbers that should reflect the file's name. In this guide, we'll tackle the issue of replacing a number in multiple files to match their respective file names, specifically using PowerShell.

The Problem Explained

Current Metadata: { "name": "Personnel 42589" , "configuration":... }

Your goal is to edit the metadata so that the name field corresponds to the file name. For the above example, the updated metadata should look like this:

Updated Metadata: { "name": "Personnel 10" , "configuration":... }

Your initial thought might be to use a text editor like Notepad++, but for this kind of batch operation, a script is a more efficient solution.

The Solution: PowerShell Script

PowerShell provides a robust environment for handling batch file operations. Below, we'll walk through a simple script that will accomplish our goal:

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the PowerShell Script

Retrieve the files: Use Get-ChildItem to gather all .dat files in the current directory.

Read and Convert JSON: For each file, the content is read in a raw format and converted from JSON for manipulation.

Replace the Number: The current number in the name field is replaced with the base name of the file (without the .dat extension).

Display Results: Optionally, print the results to the console to verify the changes before applying them.

Write Changes Back: If satisfied with the preview, write the changes back to the same file.

Here’s the PowerShell Script:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Important Notes:

Character Encoding: When rewriting files, be aware that Set-Content may use a default encoding that differs from your original file's encoding. You can specify the encoding type using the -Encoding parameter if necessary.

Preview Changes: Always review the changes in the console before committing to prevent unintentional data loss or corruption. The script's current form will show you the intended modifications.

Conclusion

In this guide, we explored how to efficiently update metadata in a large set of files using PowerShell. By following the provided script, you can save significant time and minimize errors compared to manual editing methods. Whether you’re managing a few files or hundreds, PowerShell is a powerful tool for automating tedious tasks.

Feel free to leave comments below if you have questions or additional insights on this topic!