cd Cheatsheet
Quick reference for changing directories with cd in Linux
The `cd` command changes the current working directory in Linux shells. This cheatsheet covers everyday navigation, parent paths, home directory shortcuts, previous-directory jumps, symbolic link handling, and common errors.
Basic Syntax
Core command forms for changing directories.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
cd [DIRECTORY] | Change to a directory |
cd | Change to your home directory |
cd -- DIRECTORY | Change to a directory whose name may start with - |
pwd | Print the current working directory |
Everyday Navigation
Common ways to move around the filesystem.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
cd /etc | Change to an absolute path |
cd Downloads | Change to a relative path |
cd .. | Move up one directory |
cd ../.. | Move up two directories |
cd ./scripts | Change to a directory under the current directory |
Home Directories
Use shell shortcuts for your home directory and other users’ homes.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
cd ~ | Change to your home directory |
cd ~/Downloads | Change to Downloads inside your home directory |
cd ~username | Change to another user’s home directory |
cd "$HOME" | Change to the directory stored in $HOME |
Relative Paths
Build paths from your current directory.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
cd . | Stay in the current directory |
cd .. | Move to the parent directory |
cd ../src | Move up one level, then into src |
cd ../../var | Move up two levels, then into var |
cd project/docs | Move through nested directories |
Previous Directory
Switch between recently used directories.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
cd - | Change to the previous working directory |
echo "$OLDPWD" | Show the previous working directory |
cd "$OLDPWD" | Change to the previous directory without using cd - |
pushd /path | Change directory and save the old one on the stack |
popd | Return to a directory from the stack |
Paths with Spaces
Quote or escape paths that contain spaces or shell metacharacters.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
cd "Project Files" | Quote a directory name with spaces |
cd 'Project Files' | Use single quotes for a literal path |
cd Project\ Files | Escape the space with a backslash |
cd -- "-reports" | Enter a directory whose name starts with - |
Symlinks and Physical Paths
Control whether cd follows logical or physical paths.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
cd -L linkdir | Follow symbolic links (default in Bash) |
cd -P linkdir | Resolve to the physical directory path |
pwd | Show the shell’s logical current directory |
pwd -P | Show the physical current directory |
cd -P .. | Move using the physical directory structure |
CDPATH
Search extra base directories when changing by name.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
export CDPATH=.:~/projects:/opt | Search current directory, ~/projects, and /opt |
cd myapp | Try matching myapp in each CDPATH entry |
unset CDPATH | Disable CDPATH for the current shell |
CDPATH= cd myapp | Run one cd command without CDPATH |
Troubleshooting
Quick checks for common directory-change errors.
| Issue | Check |
|---|---|
No such file or directory | Verify the path with ls -ld path |
Permission denied | Check execute permission on the directory |
| Path with spaces fails | Quote the path or escape spaces |
cd - fails | $OLDPWD is not set yet |
Unexpected target with CDPATH | Run unset CDPATH or use an absolute path |
| Symlink path looks different | Compare pwd and pwd -P |
Related Guides
Use these guides for detailed directory navigation workflows.
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
cd Command in Linux: Change Directories | Full cd guide with examples |
How to Get the Current Working Directory in Linux | Use pwd and understand the current directory |
pushd and popd Commands in Linux | Work with the directory stack |
Linux Commands Cheatsheet | General Linux command quick reference |
