Cd command linux guide
Command definition
The cd
command, short for "change directory," is a fundamental command in Linux and Unix-like operating systems that allows users to navigate between different directories in the file system. By using cd
, users can move into a specified directory, return to the previous directory, or go back to their home directory, facilitating easy access to files and folders.
Usage examples
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Change to a specific directory: This command allows you to navigate directly to a specified directory.
bash cd myfolder
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Change to a parent directory: This command moves you up one level in the directory hierarchy.
bash cd ..
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Change to the home directory: This command quickly takes you back to your home directory from anywhere in the file system.
bash cd ~
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Change to a directory using an absolute path: This command allows you to navigate to a directory using its full path.
bash cd /home/user/myfolder
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Change to a directory using a relative path: This command enables you to navigate to a directory relative to your current location.
bash cd ../myfolder
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Change to the previous directory: This command allows you to switch back to the last directory you were in.
bash cd -
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Change to a directory with spaces in its name: This command demonstrates how to navigate to a directory with spaces by using quotes.
bash cd "my folder"
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Change to a directory using tab completion: This command shows how to use tab completion to quickly navigate to a directory without typing the full name.
bash cd myf<TAB>
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Change to a directory using environment variables: This command allows you to use environment variables to navigate to a directory.
bash cd $HOME/myfolder
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Change to a directory with a symbolic link: This command shows how to navigate to a directory using a symbolic link.
bash cd symlink_to_myfolder