cd Command

The cd command (change directory) is used to navigate between directories in the Linux file system. It's one of the most essential commands for terminal navigation.

Syntax

cd [directory]

Description

The cd command changes the current working directory to the specified directory. If no directory is specified, it changes to the user's home directory.

Key concepts:

  • Absolute path: Full path from root directory (starts with /)
  • Relative path: Path relative to current directory
  • Home directory: User's personal directory (~)
  • Parent directory: One level up (..)
  • Current directory: Current location (.)

Examples

Go to home directory

cd
cd ~
cd $HOME

All three commands navigate to your home directory

Change to specific directory

cd /usr/local/bin

Changes to the /usr/local/bin directory (absolute path)

Navigate using relative paths

cd Documents
cd ../Downloads
cd ../../

Navigate to Documents, then to Downloads, then up two levels

Go to parent directory

cd ..

Moves up one directory level

Go to previous directory

cd -

Returns to the previous directory you were in

Navigate to root directory

cd /

Changes to the root directory of the file system

Handle spaces in directory names

cd "My Documents"
cd My\ Documents

Use quotes or escape spaces in directory names

Common Directory Shortcuts

Shortcut Description
~ Home directory
. Current directory
.. Parent directory
- Previous directory
/ Root directory

Tips

  • Use pwd to see your current directory
  • Use ls to see available directories
  • Tab completion can help with long directory names
  • Use cd - to quickly switch between two directories
  • The CDPATH environment variable can set search paths for cd

See also