What is the cd Command in Linux?
The cd command is used to change the current directory and move from one location to another in Linux. You can use a relative path or an absolute path to navigate between folders.
There are two types of directories:
- User-Created Directory: A directory created by the user using the mkdir command in the terminal.
- System Directory: A directory already provided by the Linux system, such as root (/), home, and other default directories.
With the cd command, you can move into a new folder, go back to the parent folder, or directly access a system directory.
Syntax:
cd [directory_name or path]
Example 1: Move into a Folder Within the Current Directory (Using a Relative Path)
cd Documents
- You can enter a folder within your current directory (using a relative path).
Example 2: Move to a Subfolder Inside Documents (Relative Path)
cd Documents/Projects
- After executing this command, you can move from the present folder into the Projects folder inside Documents.
Example 3: Go Back to the Previous Directory
cd ..
- Takes you one step back from your current location.
Example 4: Go Directly to the Home Directory
cd ~
- It brings you to your user’s home folder.
Example 5: Move Using an Absolute Path
cd /home/user/Desktop
- Moves directly to the Desktop folder from anywhere.
