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cd

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by

mih
in

CD

The cd command is a fundamental command in Linux that allows users to navigate through their file system and change directories. It’s one of the most frequently used commands, and understanding its basics is essential for anyone using Linux.

What does CD do?

When you type cd followed by a directory name or path, it changes your current working directory to the specified location. For example, if you want to go into the Documents folder in your home directory, you would use the command cd Documents. If you want to go up one level in the file system (i.e., from /home/user/Documents to /home/user), you can use cd ...

Use cases

  • Navigating through directories: The cd command is used when you need to access files located in a specific directory. This could be because you’re trying to edit a file, run a program, or perform some other operation that requires access to the current working directory.
  • Switching between frequently accessed directories: By using cd with the -, you can switch between your home directory and the current working directory.
  • Managing complex directory structures: When dealing with deep or complex directory hierarchies, cd is indispensable for navigating and finding specific locations within the file system.

Special hacks

  1. The dot (.) shortcut: You can use a single dot (.) to refer to your home directory in any command. This means you can simply type cd . to navigate into your current working directory.
  2. The tilde (~) shortcut: The tilde (\~) symbol is another way to refer to your home directory, so cd \~ or cd ~ will also take you there.

For which level of experience?

The use of the cd command is fundamental and can be used by all levels of Linux users. However, intermediate to advanced users might appreciate the shortcuts mentioned above, such as using . for your home directory or navigating with relative paths (../, ./). These features are also useful when scripting complex tasks that involve directory navigation.

Overall, mastering the basics of the cd command is essential for anyone working with Linux, and learning its special hacks can further enhance productivity.