Chapter 8: Working with Directories

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Questions and Answers

What happens if you don't start your path with a slash?

You will get an error message

The home directory is the assumed starting point

The current directory is the assumed starting point (correct)

The root directory is the assumed starting point

What is the command to show the current directory?

ls -a

pwd (correct)

cd ~

cd pwd

What is the purpose of the tab key in path completion?

To delete incorrect paths

To list the contents of a directory

To show hidden files

To expand the command line to a correct path (correct)

What is the effect of typing 'cd home' when the current directory is '/home/paul'?

You will get an error message Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'ls -a' command?

To show all files, including hidden files Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you type 'cd /paul' from the '/home' directory?

You will get an error message Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of typing 'cd home' when the current directory is '/'?

You will enter the '/home' directory Signup and view all the answers

What is a hidden file in a Linux file system?

A file that starts with a dot Signup and view all the answers

What does the `pwd` command do?

Displays the current directory Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of typing `cd` without a target directory?

It moves you to your home directory Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the `cd..` command?

To go to the parent directory Signup and view all the answers

What does the `cd -` command do?

Moves you to the previous directory Signup and view all the answers

What is an absolute path?

A path starting with a slash (/) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the `cd ~` command?

To go to your home directory Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of typing `cd.`?

It stays in the current directory Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between absolute and relative paths?

Absolute paths start with a slash, relative paths do not Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Working with Directories

The pwd command displays the current working directory.
The cd command is used to change the current directory.
cd without a target directory will put you in your home directory.
cd ~ is a shortcut to get back into your home directory.
cd .. is used to go to the parent directory.
cd . is used to stay in the current directory.
cd - is used to go to the previous directory.

Absolute and Relative Paths

Absolute paths start with a slash (/) and are relative to the root of the file tree.
Relative paths do not start with a slash and are relative to the current directory.
When in the root directory, both absolute and relative paths can be used.

Path Completion

The tab key can be used to complete a path without errors.
The tab key will expand the command line to the correct path if it exists.

ls Command

The ls command is used to list the contents of a directory.
The -a option is used to show all files, including hidden files.
Hidden files start with a dot (.) and are not shown by default.

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Description

Learn basic Linux commands for working with directories, including pwd, cd, ls, mkdir, and rmdir, as well as absolute and relative paths and path completion in the bash shell.