Question
Do I have to type the full name of a directory to change into it every time? It seems like a lot of repeated, unnecessary typing.
Answer
It is unnecessary! Luckily, you can save a lot of time and keystrokes by typing enough of the directory name for it to know which to select and then just press tab
.
For example, say you type ls
and see that you have three directories available to cd
into:
myFolder
, yourFolder
, myOtherFolder
If you type in myF
and then press tab
, you’ll see that it autocompletes myFolder
! That comes in handy, especially with long file names.
27 Likes
While you do need the full name, and to follow the syntax closely. As mentioned, tab is a useful tool to help save time. Another useful tool is the up-arrow key. This will bring forth commands that you have used earlier that you wish to reuse or modify slightly. This also saves time if you made a mistake in your command and need to edit it, without needing to type out the full command again.
13 Likes
This is so useful that it should be on the regular course.
9 Likes
Agreed. I found out about the tab-shortcut after trying (and failing) to use the short command from windows cmd prompt (“cd m~” to “cd myFolder” (or whatever file/directory starting with m))
2 Likes