Related

List Directory Contents

linux

List files and directories in the current or specified directory with various formatting options.

Print Working Directory

linux

Display the full path of the current working directory.

Make Directory

linux

Create new directories, including nested ones with the `-p` flag.

linux/cd

Change Directory

Change the current working directory to a specified path.

filesystem
navigation
basic
linux

Command

cd

Explanation

The `cd` command allows navigation between directories. When you specify an absolute path (starting with `/`), it moves directly to that location. Relative paths (like `../folder`) move based on your current directory. Using `cd` without arguments takes you to your home directory.

Common Use Cases

  • •Navigate to project directories
  • •Move up or down directory levels
  • •Return quickly to home or root directory

Best Practices

  • ✓Use absolute paths for scripts to avoid path confusion
  • ✓Combine with `pwd` to verify your location after changing directories
  • ✓Use tab completion to avoid typing long paths

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ⚠Using backslashes instead of forward slashes in paths
  • ⚠Forgetting quotes around paths with spaces
  • ⚠Assuming `cd` works in non-interactive scripts without environment setup

Troubleshooting

Problem: No such file or directory error

Solution: Verify that the path exists using `ls` before running `cd`.

Problem: Permission denied

Solution: Ensure you have access rights or use `sudo` cautiously.

Examples

Move to an absolute directory path

cd /var/www

Move up one directory level

cd ..

Go to the user's home directory

cd ~

More

Copy Files

linux

Copy files and directories from one location to another.

Move or Rename Files

linux

Move or rename files and directories.

Remove Files or Directories

linux

Delete files or directories permanently.