The pwd command in Linux stands for “print working directory”. It is used to display the full path of the current directory you are in. This command is particularly useful when navigating the filesystem, as it helps you confirm your location before performing operations like creating, deleting, or moving files. The pwd command is simple but essential for scripting, debugging, and ensuring you’re in the correct directory.
It supports two modes: logical (default, which respects symbolic links) and physical (resolves symbolic links to their actual paths). Whether you’re working in the terminal or writing scripts, pwd is a go-to tool for verifying your current directory.
Basic Usage
pwdPrints the current working directory path (e.g., /home/user/documents).
Store Output in a Variable
current_dir=$(pwd)
echo "Current directory: $current_dir"Use pwd in scripts to store the directory path in a variable.
Show Physical Path (Resolve Symlinks)
pwd -PDisplays the “physical” path, resolving symbolic links (e.g., /home/user/real_dir instead of /home/user/link_dir).
Show Logical Path (Default)
pwd -LShows the “logical” path (default behavior), preserving symbolic links.
Use in Shell Scripts
#!/bin/bash
echo "Script launched from: $(pwd)"Embed pwd in scripts to log the execution directory.
Redirect Output to a File
pwd > current_directory.txtSave the current directory path to a file.
Combine with cd for Navigation
old_dir=$(pwd)
cd /new/directory
# Do something...
cd "$old_dir"Save the current directory, navigate elsewhere, then return.
Use in Terminal Prompts
PS1='\u@\h:$(pwd)\$ 'Add the current directory to your terminal prompt (modify ~/.bashrc).
Check Directory in a Pipeline
pwd | xargs echo "Current path:"Pipe the output to another command (e.g., xargs, grep).
Verify Working Directory in Cron Jobs
* * * * * /path/to/script.sh > /tmp/cron.log 2>&1 && echo "Ran from: $(pwd)" >> /tmp/cron.logDebug cron jobs by logging the execution directory (note: cron uses its own $PWD).
Compare with $PWD Environment Variable
echo "pwd: $(pwd) | \$PWD: $PWD"Compare the command output with the $PWD variable (usually identical).
Use in Conditional Statements
if [[ $(pwd) == "/home/user" ]]; then
echo "You're in the home directory!"
fiCheck if the current directory matches a specific path.
Find Absolute Path of a Script
#!/bin/bash
script_dir=$(pwd)
echo "Script location: $script_dir"Use pwd to determine where a script was executed from.
Resolve Relative Paths
absolute_path="$(pwd)/file.txt"Convert a relative path to an absolute path (e.g., ./file.txt → /home/user/file.txt).
Check for Built-in vs. External Command
type -a pwdIdentify if pwd is a shell built-in or external binary (most shells have it as built-in).
Bonus: Alias for Frequent Use
alias whereami='pwd'
whereami # Same as pwdCreate a shortcut for pwd if you use it often.
Key Notes
pwdhas no arguments – it simply prints the directory.- Use
-Pto resolve symbolic links (e.g., in/var/www/htmlwhen inside/wwwsymlink). - Always quote
"$(pwd)"in scripts to handle paths with spaces.
This command is deceptively simple but essential for scripting and navigation! 🐧