PowerShell Basics: Navigating Directories

Current Directory

• When you first open PowerShell, you'll be in your home directory.
• Prompt: Shows the current directory.
• PWD Command: Print Working Directory command tells you which directory you are currently in.

Changing Directories

• CD Command: Change Directory command used to change the current directory.
• Path Types:
  • Absolute Path: Starts from the drive letter and specifies the entire path (e.g., C:\Users\Cindy\Documents).
  • Relative Path: Uses part of the path relative to the current directory (e.g., CD .. to move up one level).

Navigating with CD

1. Absolute Path Example:
   • Command: CD C:\Users\Cindy\Documents
   • Changes to the Documents directory using the full path.
2. Relative Path (Up One Level):
   • Command: CD ..
   • Moves up one directory level.
3. Combining Commands:
   • From Documents to Desktop: CD ..\Desktop
   • Moves from Documents to Desktop using combined relative path.

Shortcuts

• Home Directory Shortcut:
  • CD ~ takes you to the home directory.
  • Example to go to Desktop: CD ~\Desktop

Tab Completion

• Feature: Auto-completes file names and directories when using the Tab key.
• Usage:
  • Type the initial letter(s), press Tab to auto-complete.
  • If incorrect, continue pressing Tab to cycle through options.
• Example:
  • Typing D and pressing Tab may cycle through Desktop, Documents, Downloads.

Notes

• The dot (.) in paths like ./Desktop refers to the current directory.
• Tab completion is a valuable tool for efficient directory navigation.

These foundational skills in navigating directories using PowerShell can enhance efficiency and reduce errors while working with command lines.