CHAPTER 3 Getting Started

3.6 Directory Navigation and Control

The Unix file system is set up like a tree branching out from the root. The the root directory of the system is symbolized by the forward slash (/). System and user directories are organized under the root. The user does not have a root directory in Unix; users generally log into their own home directory. Users can then create other directories under their home. The following table summarizes some directory navigation commands.

Navigation and Directory Control Commands
Command/Syntax What it will do
cd [directory] change directory
ls [options] [directory or file] list directory contents or file permissions
mkdir [options] directory make a directory
pwd print working (current) directory
rmdir [options] directory remove a directory

If you're familiar with DOS the following table comparing similar commands might help to provide the proper reference frame.

Unix vs DOS Navigation and Directory Control Commands
Command Unix DOS
list directory contents ls dir
make directory mkdir md & mkdir
change directory cd cd & chdir
delete (remove) directory rmdir rd & rmdir
return to user's home directory cd cd\
location in path
(present working directory) pwd cd

3.6.1 - pwd - print working directory
3.6.2 - cd - change directory
3.6.3 - mkdir - make a directory
3.6.4 - rmdir - remove directory
3.6.5 - ls - list directory contents

Introduction to Unix - 14 AUG 1996

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