Basic Navigation: `cd`, `ls`, `pwd`
Learn to move around the file system, list directory contents, and identify your current location.
Basic Navigation: `cd`, `ls`, `pwd` is a free Linux Command Line Mastery lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 2 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Linux Command Line Mastery learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Navigating Your Linux System
The Linux file system is a tree rooted at /. This lesson covers the commands to move around it and see what’s inside each directory.
Where Am I? The `pwd` Command
Lost your place? pwd (print working directory) shows the full path of where you are right now — your “you are here” sign.
See Your Current Path with `pwd`
Run pwd to see your current directory — likely something like /home/user.
pwdWhat's Here? The `ls` Command
ls (list) shows the files and folders in your current directory — or any directory you point it at.
Listing Directory Contents with `ls`
Let’s make a folder and a file, then run ls to watch them show up.
mkdir my_documents
touch notes.txt
lsMoving Around: The `cd` Command
cd (change directory) moves you around the file system. Give it an absolute path (from /) or a relative one (from where you are).
Changing with Absolute Paths
An absolute path starts at the root /, so it always points to the same place no matter where you currently are.
mkdir -p /tmp/my_project/src
cd /tmp/my_project/src
pwdChanging with Relative Paths
A relative path starts from your current spot — shorter and handy. Use . for here and .. for the parent directory.
mkdir -p project/images
cd project
pwd
cd images
pwd
cd ..
pwdUseful `ls` Options: `-l` and `-a`
Two essential ls flags: -l for a long listing (permissions, size, date) and -a to reveal hidden dotfiles.
touch .config_file
touch public_file
ls -a
ls -lTest Your Navigation Skills
Consider the following sequence of commands executed in a terminal:
mkdir my_app
cd my_app
mkdir assets
touch assets/image.png
cd ..
lsRecap: Navigate Like a Pro!
Navigation locked in! pwd shows where you are, ls lists contents, and cd moves you around with absolute or relative paths.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Basic Navigation: `cd`, `ls`, `pwd`” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Basic Navigation: `cd`, `ls`, `pwd`” is free to read here on the web, and the Linux Command Line Mastery course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Linux Command Line Mastery course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Basic Navigation: `cd`, `ls`, `pwd`”?
Learn to move around the file system, list directory contents, and identify your current location. You practise Linux Command Line Mastery with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Linux Command Line Mastery?
No prior experience is required. Linux Command Line Mastery on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 2 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Basic Navigation: `cd`, `ls`, `pwd`” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Linux Command Line Mastery lesson?
Yes. Every Linux Command Line Mastery lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Introduction to the Linux Shell
- Basic Navigation: `cd`, `ls`, `pwd`
- File & Directory Management: `mkdir`, `rm`, `cp`, `mv`
- Getting Help: man, --help, and tldr