xargs-constructs an argument list(s) and executes a command


xargs [ flags ] [ command [ initial–arguments ] ]

xargs allows you to transfer contents of files into a command line and dynamically build command lines.


1   ls $1 | xargs -i -t mv $1/{} $2/{}

2   ls | xargs -p -l rm -rf

EXPLANATION

Moves all files from directory $1 to directory $2, and echos each mv command just before executing.
Prompts (-p) the user which files are to be removed one at a time and removes each one.