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Navigating the Linux Filesystem

Working smoothly in the Linux terminal begins with understanding how the filesystem is structured and how to navigate between directories.

In this tutorial, you will learn: 1. The Linux directory tree hierarchy. 2. Essential commands: pwd, ls, cd, and mkdir. 3. Absolute paths versus relative paths. 4. Productive navigation shortcuts and Tab autocompletion.

1. The Linux Filesystem Tree

Unlike Windows with drive letters (C:\, D:\), Linux organizes all disks, folders, and devices under a single root directory denoted by /.

Key directories in the hierarchy include: - / — The root directory. - /home/<username> or ~ — Your personal home directory where your code, virtual environments, and data live. - /tmp — Temporary files, cleared on system reboot. - /etc — System-wide configuration files.

When you open a terminal, you start inside a current working directory (typically your home directory ~).

2. Essential Navigation Commands

Command Description Practical Example
pwd Print Working Directory (shows your current absolute location) pwd \(\rightarrow\) /home/oliver/projects/softpotato
ls List contents of the current directory ls -la (lists hidden files with details)
cd <path> Change directory cd docs/tutorials
cd .. Move up one directory level cd ..
cd ~ or cd Return immediately to your home directory cd
mkdir <dir> Make a new directory mkdir -p simulations/cv_scans

3. Absolute vs. Relative Paths

Understanding paths prevents file not found errors:

  • Absolute path: Starts from the root / or home ~. It always points to the exact same location regardless of where you are: 
    cd /home/oliver/gitHub/softpotato/docs
  • Relative path: Starts from your current directory. It depends on where you are: 
    # Move into a subfolder of current directory
cd docs/tutorials

# Move up two folders, then into another
cd ../../tests

4. Creating Nested Directories with mkdir -p

When setting up simulation project folders, you often need nested subdirectories. Use the -p (parents) flag so you don't have to create each level one by one:

# Creates the entire folder hierarchy at once
mkdir -p project/data/raw_cv project/results/figures project/scripts

5. Navigation Shortcuts

# Toggle back to your previous directory
cd -

# Go to the parent directory
cd ..

# Go back two levels
cd ../..

Chip's Tip: Master the Tab Key!

Never type out long directory or file names by hand! Press the Tab key after typing the first 2 or 3 letters of any path. Linux will automatically autocomplete the name. If multiple files match, pressing Tab twice lists all possibilities.