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Directory Navigation: pwd, cd, and mkdir
This guide will walk you through the essential commands for navigating and managing directories in Linux. These commands are foundational for working with the file system in the terminal.
1. pwd - Print Working Directory
Description:
The pwd (print working directory) command shows the current directory you're in.
Syntax:
pwd
Usage:
- When you run the pwd command, it prints the absolute path of your current directory.
$ pwd
/home/user/Documents
2. cd - Change Directory
Description:
The cd (change directory) command allows you to navigate between directories in the terminal.
Syntax:
cd [directory]
Usage:
- To move into a directory:
cd directory_name
cd Documents
- To go up one level (to the parent directory):
cd ..
- To move to the home directory:
cd ~
- To go directly to the root directory:
cd /
- To move back to the previous directory:
cd -
- To move to a specific path:
cd /home/user/Downloads
3. mkdir - Make Directory
Description:
The mkdir (make directory) command creates a new directory.
Syntax:
mkdir [directory_name]
Usage:
To create a directory:
mkdir new_directory
- To create multiple directories at once:
mkdir dir1 dir2 dir3
- To create parent directories if they do not exist (use the -p option):
mkdir -p parent/child/grandchild
- To create a directory with specific permissions (using -m):
mkdir -m 755 new_directory
Directory Navigation Cheatsheet
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
pwd |
Print the absolute path of the current directory |
cd directory |
Change to a specific directory |
cd .. |
Move up one directory level |
cd ~ |
Move to the home directory |
cd / |
Move to the root directory |
cd - |
Return to the previous directory |
mkdir directory |
Create a new directory |
mkdir dir1 dir2 |
Create multiple directories |
mkdir -p path |
Create nested directories (parents if they don't exist) |
mkdir -m 755 dir |
Create a directory with specific permissions |