Cd Command in Linux (Change Directory)

What is cd?

The cd command stands for “change directory”. It allows you to navigate through the filesystem in the Linux terminal.

Syntax

cd [directory_path]

• directory_path: The target directory you want to switch to.

Step-by-Step Usage

Step 1: Navigate to a Directory

cd Documents

Goes from the current directory to Documents.

 Step 2: Move to Parent Directory (..)

cd ..

Moves up one level in the directory tree.

Example:

• /home/user/Documents → /home/user

Step 3: Move to Home Directory (~ or just cd)

cd ~

or simply:

cd

Takes you to your home directory (/home/yourusername)

Step 4: Go to Root Directory (/)

cd /

Moves to the root directory (the top of the file system tree)

Step 5: Move to a Full/Absolute Path

cd /etc/apache2

Directly jumps to /etc/apache2, regardless of where you are.

Step 6: Move to a Relative Path

cd projects/myapp

Navigates relative to your current location.

Step 7: Go Back to Previous Directory (-)

cd -

Switches back to the last directory you were in.

Example:

• From /home/user to /etc, then:

  • cd - → goes back to /home/user

Step 8: Handle Spaces in Directory Names

cd "My Folder"

or

cd My\ Folder

Use quotes or backslash (\) to escape spaces.

Step 9: Tab Autocomplete

While typing:

cd Doc[TAB]

Pressing Tab auto-completes folder names like Documents.

Summary of Useful cd Commands

Command	Description
cd	Go to home directory
cd ..	Go up one level
cd /	Go to root directory
cd -	Switch to the previous directory
cd ~	Shortcut to home directory
cd ./folder	Move to subfolder in current directory
cd ../..	Move up two levels
cd /path/to/dir	Move to specific absolute path

Pro Tips

• Use pwd to print the current directory:

  pwd
  

• Combine with ls to see contents before navigating:

  ls && cd folder_name
  

Example Workflow

cd /var
cd log
cd ..
cd /home/user/Documents
cd -
cd ~

Let me know if you'd like this in cheat sheet format, with visual diagrams, or as a script to practice!