cd Command
Beginner File Management man(1)Change the current working directory
👁 125 views
📅 Updated: Apr 29, 2026
SYNTAX
cd [DIRECTORY]
What Does cd Do?
The cd (change directory) command is a shell built-in that changes the current working directory. It is the most fundamental navigation command in Linux, used constantly in daily operations.
cd supports absolute paths (starting from /), relative paths (from current location), and several shortcuts like ~ for home directory, - for previous directory, and .. for parent directory. Since cd is a shell built-in, it executes within the current shell process rather than spawning a new one.
Understanding directory navigation is essential for all Linux work. cd pairs naturally with ls and pwd to explore the filesystem. Environment variables like $HOME and $OLDPWD are used internally by cd to resolve paths.
cd supports absolute paths (starting from /), relative paths (from current location), and several shortcuts like ~ for home directory, - for previous directory, and .. for parent directory. Since cd is a shell built-in, it executes within the current shell process rather than spawning a new one.
Understanding directory navigation is essential for all Linux work. cd pairs naturally with ls and pwd to explore the filesystem. Environment variables like $HOME and $OLDPWD are used internally by cd to resolve paths.
Options & Flags
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| - | Switch to the previous directory ($OLDPWD) | cd - |
| ~ | Navigate to the home directory | cd ~ |
| .. | Move up one directory level | cd .. |
| -P | Use physical directory structure (resolve symlinks) | cd -P /var/log |
| -L | Follow symbolic links (default behavior) | cd -L /var/log |
| ~username | Navigate to another user's home directory | cd ~www-data |
Practical Examples
#1 Navigate to an absolute path
Changes to the Nginx log directory using an absolute path.
$ cd /var/log/nginx#2 Move up two directory levels
Moves up two levels in the directory hierarchy.
$ cd ../..#3 Return to home directory
Shortcut to return to your home directory. Just typing cd without arguments does the same.
$ cd ~#4 Switch between two directories
Toggles between the current and previous directory. Shows the new path.
$ cd -
Output:
/home/user/projects
#5 Navigate using environment variable
Uses the HOME environment variable to build the path.
$ cd $HOME/Documents#6 Handle directory names with spaces
Quotes are needed when directory names contain spaces or special characters.
$ cd "My Documents"#7 Follow physical path (resolve symlinks)
Resolves any symbolic links in the path, showing the actual directory.
$ cd -P /var/www#8 Navigate to another user home
Changes to the home directory of the deploy user (requires permissions).
$ cd ~deployTips & Best Practices
Use tab completion: Press Tab while typing a path to auto-complete directory names. Double-tap Tab to see all matching options.
CDPATH variable: Set CDPATH to frequently used parent directories: export CDPATH=.:~:/var/www — then cd mysite works from anywhere if /var/www/mysite exists.
pushd/popd for complex navigation: Use pushd/popd instead of cd to maintain a directory stack. pushd /var/log saves your current location, and popd returns to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does cd not work in a script?
cd in a script only affects the subshell running the script, not your current shell. To have the effect persist, source the script with: source script.sh or . script.sh
How do I go back to my previous directory?
Use cd - to toggle back to the last directory you were in. The previous path is stored in the $OLDPWD variable.
What is the difference between cd ~ and just cd?
Both go to your home directory. cd without arguments defaults to $HOME. cd ~ explicitly expands the tilde to your home directory. They are functionally identical.
Related Commands
More File Management Commands
Download File Management Cheat Sheet
View all 31 Linux command cheat sheets →Master Linux with Professional eBooks
Curated IT eBooks covering Linux, DevOps, Cloud, and more
Browse Books →