Bash Navigation Basics

Navigating Directories

• Current Working Directory

  • Use pwd (Print Working Directory) to display the current directory path.
  • Example path: /home/Cindy/desktop.

• Change Directory Command (cd)

  • Absolute Path: Navigate to a directory using the full path.
    • Example: cd /home/Cindy/documents.
  • Relative Path: Navigate using a path relative to the current directory.
    • Example: cd ../documents goes up one level, then into "documents".
  • Home Directory Shortcut: Use ~ (tilde) to reference the home directory.
    • Example: cd ~/desktop to go to the desktop from any location.

Tab Completion

• Feature: Helps in auto-completing directory and file names.
  • In Bash, pressing the Tab key will show all possible options if there's more than one match.
  • Differentiates from Windows as it does not cycle but lists all options.

Connecting Windows and Linux Commands

• The cd command and directory navigation concepts are similar in both Windows (PowerShell) and Linux (Bash).
• Understanding these similarities helps bridge skills between Windows and Linux environments.

Notes

• Reinforce understanding of directory navigation using absolute and relative paths.
• Practice using tab completion to improve efficiency in command-line navigation.

This guide is a practical overview for users transitioning between Windows and Linux command-line interfaces, focusing on navigation commands.