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File Navigation

File System Navigation & Directory Shortcuts​

Special Symbols​

  • / — Root directory

    • The top level of the entire file system
    • Think of it as the front door of the house

  • ~ — Home directory

    • Your personal workspace
    • Like your bedroom in the house

  • ./ — Current directory

    • Refers to where you are right now in the file system

Commands​

  • cd / — Go to the root directory
  • ls -l — List files and directories in long format
  • cd ~ — Go to your home directory
  • ls -l — List contents of the current (home) directory in long format

Path Examples & Analogies​

  • /kitchen/fridge — Start at the root, go to the kitchen, and look for the fridge
  • ./fridge — If you're already in the kitchen, just look for the fridge in your current location

Tip​

Avoid starting paths with / unless the folder actually exists in the root directory. Otherwise, prefer ./ or relative paths from your current location.