How to Use cd Command in Linux: Syntax and Examples

The cd command in Linux changes the current directory to another directory you specify. Use cd <directory_path> to move to that directory, or cd .. to go up one level.

Syntax

The basic syntax of the cd command is:

• cd <directory_path>: Changes to the specified directory.
• cd ..: Moves up one directory level (to the parent directory).
• cd ~ or just cd: Moves to your home directory.
• cd -: Switches to the previous directory you were in.

bash

cd [directory_path]

Example

This example shows how to change directories using cd. It moves to the /usr directory, then up one level, then back to the home directory.

bash

pwd
cd /usr
pwd
cd ..
pwd
cd ~
pwd

Output

/home/user
/usr
/
/home/user

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using cd include:

• Typing a directory name that does not exist causes an error.
• Forgetting that cd is case-sensitive.
• Using relative paths incorrectly without understanding the current directory.

Always check the directory exists with ls or pwd before changing.

bash

cd /nonexistent
# Output: bash: cd: /nonexistent: No such file or directory

# Correct usage:
cd /usr

Output

bash: cd: /nonexistent: No such file or directory

Quick Reference

Command	Description
cd /path/to/dir	Change to specified directory
cd ..	Go up one directory level
cd ~	Go to home directory
cd -	Switch to previous directory
cd	Go to home directory

Key Takeaways

Use cd <directory> to change to a specific directory.

Use cd .. to move up one directory level.

Use cd or cd ~ to return to your home directory.

Directory names are case-sensitive and must exist to avoid errors.

Use cd - to quickly switch back to the last directory.