4.2.4. `cd` — change directory#

To change into a directory, use cd followed by the name of that directory.

For example, to change into /home/user/Downloads, use:

cd Downloads

Note

When you log in or open a new terminal window, you will be placed in your home directory — /home/user, where user is your username.

You can verify your current directory using the pwd command discussed earlier:

pwd

/home/user/Downloads

`cd` with no arguments#

No matter where you are in the file system, typing cd without any arguments will take you to your home directory.

user@cookbook:/usr/share/dict$ cd
user@cookbook:~$

Use cd .. to go to the parent directory.

For example, when you are in /home/user/Downloads and type:

cd ..

You will be taken to /home/user.

A single dot (.) refers to the current directory.