CLI Navigation

Understanding how to move around and manage files from the command line is fundamental in Unix-like systems such as Linux and macOS. Whether you're managing servers, using Git, writing shell scripts, or transferring files securely, basic CLI navigation is a universal prerequisite.

How Navigation Works in Unix

Unix-like systems use a hierarchical file structure, beginning with a single root directory: /

From there, everything is organized like a tree:

/
├── bin      → essential binaries
├── home     → user directories (e.g., /home/alice)
├── etc      → configuration files
├── var      → variable data (logs, databases)
├── tmp      → temporary files
├── usr      → user-installed software
└── dev      → system devices

Each user typically operates within their own home directory (e.g., /home/username), which is represented by ~ (tilde).

Paths can be:

• Absolute (start with /) → /etc/nginx/nginx.conf
• Relative (from current directory) → ../logs/access.log

You use commands like cd (change directory), pwd (print working directory), and ls (list contents) to navigate and inspect the filesystem.

Common File Management Tools

Once you can move around, you'll often want to work with files:

These tools respect file structure and permissions, and many support options for working recursively (e.g., with entire folders), prompting confirmation, or preserving metadata.

Why This Matters

Knowing how to navigate and manage the filesystem from the command line helps you:

• Run Git or SCP commands in the right folder
• Move or rename config files securely
• Understand system layouts when debugging
• Write shell scripts for automation
• Work effectively over SSH or in headless environments

Even when using advanced tools, CLI navigation is the bedrock of working productively in any Unix-like system.