Linux command 03
cd
Change your current working directory in the terminal.
Syntax
Command
cd <directory-name>Example
Example command
cd DocumentsUse cd followed by a directory name to move into that folder from your current location.
Why it matters
Navigation is foundational. Once you can move confidently between directories, every other command becomes more practical and less confusing.
Expected output
You may see no output at all, and that is normal.
What you may see
No terminal output is expected.Confirm success by running pwd or ls after cd. A successful directory change often stays silent.
Common mistake
Mistake: Assuming cd failed because nothing appeared in the terminal.
Correction: cd usually succeeds quietly. Run pwd to confirm your new location or ls to inspect the directory you entered.
Practice
- Run ls to find a directory name you can enter.
- Use cd to move into it, then confirm with pwd.
- Move back up one level with cd .. after you understand the first move.
Video
Quick walkthrough
A visual navigation demo will live here later. For V1, use the confirmation pattern: cd, then pwd.
Previous / Next
Continue to next command
Stay with this command until it feels familiar, then move forward calmly.