cd

Go to the specified directory

$ cd [path/to/directory]

$ cd ..

$ cd

$ cd ~[username]

$ cd -

$ cd /

cd [OPTION]... [DIRECTORY]

-L, --logical
    Use logical path resolution (default; follows symlinks in $PWD)

-P, --physical
    Use physical path resolution (ignores symlinks)

--help
    Display usage help and exit

--version
    Output version information and exit

cd is a fundamental shell builtin command used to navigate the filesystem by changing the current working directory (CWD) of the invoking shell process.

It supports absolute and relative paths, with special handling for home directories via ~ or $HOME, previous directory via - (referencing $OLDPWD), and directory name completion influenced by the CDPATH environment variable.

When invoked without arguments, cd switches to the user's home directory. Symbolic links are followed by default (-L or logical mode), but -P resolves physical paths, ignoring symlinks. This affects commands like pwd, which reflect the new CWD.

Unlike external commands, cd cannot be executed directly in subshells or scripts without impacting the parent shell, as directory changes are process-specific. It's essential for scripting workflows, interactive sessions, and shell functions. Most POSIX-compliant shells (bash, zsh, dash) implement it similarly, with minor extensions like zsh's autocd.

Builtin only affects current shell; subshells/scripts need source or . to propagate changes. Fails silently if target doesn't exist or lacks permissions (non-zero exit). CDPATH may cause unexpected jumps.

No arg: $HOME
-: $OLDPWD (previous dir)
~ or ~user: User home dirs (tilde expansion)
CDPATH: Colon-separated search paths for relative dirs

Originated in Version 7 Unix Bourne shell (1979) as core navigation tool. Evolved with POSIX.1-1988 standardization; modern shells add features like hash table integration for speed.

pwd(1), pushd(1), popd(1)