Selling to buyers worldwide on eBay · prices in AUDHelp & FAQGuidesOur eBay store

The cd command in Linux explained

Updated 26 October 2026

The cd command changes the folder you are working in. It is one of the most useful commands for anyone using a live USB drive or a fresh Linux install.

Syntax

cd [folder]

Examples

Tip

Press Tab to complete folder names so you type less.

Keep learning

New to the terminal? Start with Linux terminal basics. You can try every command safely from a live session: see how to try Linux without installing it. Run man cd in a terminal for the full manual.

Frequently asked questions

How do I see every option for cd?

Run man cd for the full manual, or try cd --help for a short summary.

Do I need sudo to run cd?

Not for your own files. You only need sudo when the command changes something owned by the system or another user.

Is it safe to practise cd on a live USB drive?

Mostly yes, because a live session starts fresh each time. Be careful with commands that write to your internal disk, such as rm on a mounted drive or dd.

More guides

Browse Linux USB drives See all products