BeginnerLesson 2 of 5 · 1 min read

Filesystem Navigation

Move around the filesystem with `pwd`, `ls`, and `cd`.

Linux organises everything under a single root directory /. Unlike Windows, there are no drive letters; everything branches off /.

Three commands you will use constantly

Command	What it does	Example
`pwd`	Print current directory	`pwd`
`ls`	List files in current dir	`ls -la`
`cd`	Change directory	`cd /tmp`

Paths

Absolute paths start at /, e.g. /home/learner.
Relative paths start from where you are, e.g. ../projects.

Special directory shortcuts:

. - the current directory
.. - the parent directory
~ - your home directory

Try it

pwd                # shows something like /home/learner
ls                 # list contents
ls -la             # long format, including hidden files
cd /tmp            # jump to /tmp
pwd                # confirm you're now in /tmp
cd ~               # back home

Your notes

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Challenge

From `/home/learner`, change into the `projects` directory.

Need a nudge?

Tip: type the command in the sandbox on the right, or paste the solution here. The sandbox runs in real time.

Quiz

Answer these to lock in the concepts. Score at least 80% to mark the lesson complete.

01Which command prints the current working directory?
02Which symbol means "your home directory"?

Mark as complete

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