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cd MacOS Command Guide

The MacOS cd command allows users to change directories within the terminal. By typing “cd” followed by the directory path, users can navigate through their file system seamlessly. This command is essential for efficiently moving between folders and accessing different files on a Mac computer.

Terminal window
cd [directory]
OptionDescription
-PUse the physical directory structure
-LUse the logical directory structure
ParameterDescription
directoryThe directory to change to
Terminal window
cd ~

Changes the current directory to the user’s home directory.

Terminal window
cd /

Changes the current directory to the root directory.

Terminal window
cd ..

Moves up one level to the parent directory of the current directory.

Terminal window
cd Documents

Changes the current directory to the “Documents” directory if it exists in the current location.

Terminal window
cd -

Returns to the directory that was last accessed before the current one.

Terminal window
cd /Users/username/Documents

Changes the current directory to the specified absolute path.

Terminal window
cd D[TAB]

Utilizes tab auto-completion to quickly navigate to a directory starting with the letter “D”.

To use the cd command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
cd /path/to/directory

The cd command in MacOS is used to navigate between directories in the terminal.

How can I go back to the previous directory in MacOS using cd?

Section titled “How can I go back to the previous directory in MacOS using cd?”

To go back to the previous directory in MacOS, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
cd -

How do I change to the home directory in MacOS with cd?

Section titled “How do I change to the home directory in MacOS with cd?”

To change to the home directory in MacOS using the cd command, you can execute:

Terminal window
cd ~

Can I use a relative path with cd in MacOS?

Section titled “Can I use a relative path with cd in MacOS?”

Yes, you can use relative paths with the cd command in MacOS. For example:

Terminal window
cd ../parent_directory

How do I list the contents of a directory after changing into it in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I list the contents of a directory after changing into it in MacOS?”

To list the contents of a directory after changing into it using the cd command in MacOS, you can use:

Terminal window
ls
## Applications of the cd command
- Changing directories within the macOS terminal.
- Navigating to different folders in the file system.
- Accessing specific folders to run programs or view files.
- Moving between different levels of the directory hierarchy.
- Setting the current working directory for executing commands and scripts.