How to Change Directory in Linux Terminal

Learn how to Change Directory in Linux Terminal in this guide. If you use Ubuntu Linux, changing your current directory is one of the most basic things you will do on the command line. In this way, you can move around the file system and see or work with files in different directories. The terminal is a strong program that makes it easy to work with any Linux-based OS. Navigation through the system is one of the most basic things a user can do on an operating system.

There are many graphical file managers that let you switch directories and move around on your disk drives, but using the command line to do the same things can give you more control over your system. The file system is one of these things that every user needs to be able to do. You can use the cd command in Linux to change the directory from the terminal. This may look like a hard task for people who have never done it before, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. Today, we’ll talk about how to Change Directory in Linux Terminal.

What is a directory?

In computing and file management, a directory is a box or folder that holds files and other directories and keeps them organized. The files and data on a computer’s file system are organized and managed in a hierarchical way with the help of directories. When used in graphical user interfaces, they are often called “foldrs.” In Linux, directories work like folders do in Windows and Mac OS.

The directory sets up the file system with a hierarchical structure and organizes the files. There can be files and subdirectories in each directory. In Linux, a path from the root directory (/) to the directory you want to go to is used to show a directory. In the home directory of a user, the path to the Documents directory would be /home/user/Documents.

How to Change Directory in Linux Terminal

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type the cd command followed by the path to the directory you want to change to.
3. Press Enter.
4. Then Change to the Desktop directory, you would type the following command:
   • cd Desktop
5. If the directory you want to change to is not in the current directory, you can specify the full path to the directory. For example, to change to the /home/user/Documents directory, you would type the following command:
   • cd /home/user/Documents
6. You can also use relative paths to change directories. A relative path is a path that is relative to the current directory. For example, to change to the Downloads directory, which is a subdirectory of the current directory, you would type the following command:
   • cd Downloads
7. To go back to the previous directory, you can use the cd - command. To go to the home directory, you can use the cd ~ command.

Why is it important to be able to change directories in Linux?

1. Switching between directories: It is how users move around the file system, going from one directory to another. This is necessary to get to and manage files and directories that are spread out across the system.
2. Putting Files in Order: Users can put their data and files in order by making directories and subdirectories. By changing directories, users can move files to specific places that make them easier to find and organize.
3. Efficiency: Being able to quickly switch between directories makes working in a command-line environment more efficient. It’s possible for users to get to the files and directories they need without having to type in the full path every time.
4. Scripting and Automation: Changing directories can be used to get to specific places in shell scripts and automation tasks before working on files or running commands. This helps a lot with batch processing and tasks that need to be done at a certain time.
5. Controlling Access: In Linux, many files and directories have permissions that only let certain users or groups see them. You might have to change directories to get to files or directories that you can’t see from where you are now.
6. System Administration: The cd command is often used by system administrators to switch between system directories while setting up, managing, or fixing different parts of the system. It makes it easy for them to get to configuration files and system logs.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing directories

1. Typing the Directory Path Incorrectly: One of the most common mistakes is mistyping the directory path. Linux is case-sensitive, so ensure that you type the directory and file names with the correct letter case.
2. Using Spaces in Directory or File Names: While Linux allows spaces in directory and file names, it can make working with them more complicated. It’s better to use underscores (_) or hyphens (-) instead of spaces to avoid potential issues when navigating or scripting.
3. Assuming the Current Directory: Avoid assuming the current directory. Always specify the complete path or use relative paths correctly. For example, using cd .. to go up one directory from your current location.
4. Using Absolute Paths Unnecessarily: While absolute paths are useful for specifying exact locations, using them excessively can make your commands less portable. Use relative paths when possible to make your scripts and commands more adaptable.
5. Not Checking Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to access the directory you are trying to change to. If you encounter “Permission Denied” errors, you may need to use sudo or adjust file permissions.
6. Using Non-Existent Directories: Attempting to change to a directory that doesn’t exist will result in an error. Double-check the directory name and existence before attempting to change to it.

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