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Module 2~9 min

Navigating the Filesystem

Linux organizes files in a tree-like structure. This lesson covers the basic commands used to move around it.

What You'll Learn

  • How the Linux filesystem is structured
  • Basic navigation commands
  • What the "current directory" means

A Tree of Directories

Linux organizes everything into a single tree of directories starting from the root directory, written as /. Every file and folder on the system fits somewhere within that tree.

Basic Navigation Commands

The `pwd` command shows your current location, `ls` lists the contents of a directory, and `cd` changes your current directory.

Example

Running `pwd` might show /home/user, `ls` would then list the files there, and `cd Documents` would move into a Documents subfolder.

Key Concepts

Directorypwdcd

Key Takeaways

  • Linux organizes files in a single tree starting at the root directory
  • `pwd` shows your current location
  • `cd` and `ls` are used to move around and list directory contents

Knowledge Check

Which command changes your current directory?

Which command changes your current directory?