Linux cd Guide

Linux cd Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to cd on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including changing directories, navigation, and directory shortcuts.

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Table of Contents

1. Understanding cd
2. cd Basics
3. Directory Shortcuts
4. Navigation Tips
5. Troubleshooting

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Understanding cd

What is cd?

cd (change directory) changes current directory.

Uses:

• Navigate: Move between directories
• Change location: Switch directories
• File operations: Work in different directories
• System navigation: Explore filesystem

Why it matters:

• Essential command: Most used command
• Navigation: Move around system
• File management: Access different locations

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cd Basics

Change Directory

Basic usage:

# Change to directory
cd /path/to/directory

# Change to home
cd ~

# Or
cd

Relative Paths

Relative navigation:

# Parent directory
cd ..

# Current directory
cd .

# Subdirectory
cd subdirectory

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Directory Shortcuts

Home Directory

Go home:

# Home directory
cd ~

# Or
cd $HOME

# Or just
cd

Previous Directory

Go back:

# Previous directory
cd -

# Returns to last directory

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Navigation Tips

Absolute vs Relative

Path types:

# Absolute path
cd /home/username/documents

# Relative path
cd documents

# From current directory

Tab Completion

Auto-complete:

# Type part of name
cd doc<Tab>

# Auto-completes to documents/

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Troubleshooting

Directory Not Found

Check path:

# Verify directory exists
ls -la /path/to/directory

# Check current location
pwd

# List contents
ls

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Summary

This guide covered cd usage, directory navigation, and shortcuts for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions.

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Next Steps

• pwd Guide - Current directory
• ls Guide - List files
• File Managers - GUI navigation
• cd Documentation: man cd

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This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.