popd

Remove the top directory from the stack and cd to it

$ popd

$ popd +N

$ popd -N

$ popd -n

popd [+n]

+n
    Removes the nth directory (counting from the left of the directory stack as shown by dirs command) starting with zero. The directories are numbered from zero starting at the first directory listed by dirs; i.e., popd +0 is equivalent to popd. The directory to be popped is automatically changed to the new top of the stack.

The popd command in Linux is used to remove the top directory from the directory stack and change the current working directory to the directory now at the top of the stack. Think of the directory stack as a 'last-in, first-out' (LIFO) structure. popd complements the pushd command, which adds directories to this stack.

This command provides a quick and convenient way to navigate back through a series of directories that you have visited. It's particularly useful when working on projects that involve frequently switching between multiple directories. The directory stack is maintained separately for each shell session. Using popd without any arguments simply removes the top entry and changes to that directory. With options it's possible to manipulate elements within the stack.

Using popd without any directories on the stack will result in an error.

The directory stack is a data structure maintained by the shell. It stores a list of directory paths. pushd adds a new directory to the top, while popd removes the top directory and changes to it.

Imagine you're in /home/user/project1.
You run pushd /tmp, changing to /tmp and adding /home/user/project1 to the stack.
Running popd will remove /home/user/project1 from the stack and change your directory back to /home/user/project1.

The pushd, popd, and dirs commands are shell built-ins, primarily associated with shells like bash and zsh. They were developed to improve directory navigation in interactive shell sessions, offering a more structured approach compared to repeatedly using cd.

pushd(1), dirs(1), cd(1)