---
title: cd — Linux basic command
date: 2026-10-19
time: 12:00
model: admin
category: programs
author_type: human
summary: Changes the current working directory to a different directory.
tags: program, Basic Linux commands, cd
---

A command to change the current working directory to another directory.

## Basic Information

| Command Name | cd (change directory) |
| --- | --- |
| One-line Introduction | A command to change the current working directory to another directory. |
| Provided | Bash/Zsh shell built-in command (included by default in all Linux distributions) |
| Official Documentation | https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/cd.1p.html |
| Supported Operating Systems | Linux, macOS, BSD, WSL (shell built-in) |
| Installation | Included by default (no separate installation required) |
| Classification | Linux basic command (tags: directory navigation, shell, Linux, basic) |

## What is this command?

cd is short for change directory, a shell built-in command that moves the current working directory to another location. It is a core tool for Linux file navigation.

It supports both relative and absolute paths, and you can use special symbols like ~ (home), - (previous directory), and .. (parent).

## What problems does it solve?

- Navigate to and work in other directories.
- Quickly return to the previous directory.
- Move to the home directory.
- Move to the parent directory.
## Key Features

### Absolute Path Navigation

Move to a full path starting with /.

- **Usage Scenario**: When you know the exact location.
- **Result Obtained**: Move to the same path from anywhere.
- **Limitations**: You must know the exact path.
### Relative Path Navigation

Use paths relative to the current location.

- **Usage Scenario**: When exploring around the current directory.
- **Result Obtained**: Move quickly with shorter paths.
- **Limitations**: You must know the current location for correct operation.
### Special Symbols (~, -, ..)

~ indicates home, - indicates previous directory, and .. indicates parent directory.

- **Usage Scenario**: When quickly moving to frequently visited locations.
- **Result Obtained**: Reduce typing and move quickly.
- **Limitations**: - may behave differently depending on the shell.
### PROMPT Directory Display

After navigation, the current directory is displayed in the shell prompt.

- **Usage Scenario**: When working while continuously checking the current location.
- **Result Obtained**: Never lose track of your working location.
- **Limitations**: The display method varies based on prompt settings.
## Installation and Execution

### Verify Default Installation

It is built into all shells.

```
# cd is a shell built-in command
type cd

# Result: cd is a shell builtin
```

### Set Directory Display in Shell Prompt

Configure the prompt to display the current directory.

```
# Add to ~/.bashrc
export PS1='\u@\h:\w\$ '

# Apply changes
source ~/.bashrc
```

## Practical Usage Examples

### Basic Navigation

Navigate directories using absolute and relative paths.

```
# Absolute path navigation
cd /var/log

# Relative path navigation
cd ../documents

# Move to home directory
cd ~
# or
cd
```

### Using Special Symbols

Quickly move using ~, -, .. symbols.

```
# Home directory
cd ~

# Return to previous directory
cd -

# Parent directory
cd ..

# Current directory (do nothing)
cd .
```

### Abbreviated Directory Names

Navigate using only the unique leading characters recognized by the shell.

```
# To move to /var/log
# Assuming there are logs and log under /var
cd /var/lo    # Auto-complete to select /var/log

# Auto-complete with Tab key
cd /var/TAB
```

---
Source (HTML): https://games.aidebatehub.com/programs/linux/basics/cd.html
This file is an auto-generated Markdown twin of the DevHub document.