mkdir

Additional Notes

mkdir creates directories. It can create one directory, multiple directories, or a full parent path when used with -p.

Directories need execute permission to be entered, so permissions matter when creating shared or service directories.

Syntax

mkdir [options] directory...

Parameters

• options: Flags that change how mkdir behaves.
• path: File or directory path to inspect or change.
• arguments: Names, patterns, or values used by the command.

Common Options

• -p, --parents: Create parent directories as needed and do not fail if the directory already exists.
• -v, --verbose: Print each created directory.
• -m MODE, --mode=MODE: Set permissions when creating the directory.

Examples

mkdir logs

Create one directory.

mkdir images scripts backups

Create multiple directories.

mkdir -p project/src/components

Create a nested path, including missing parents.

mkdir -v reports

Show the created directory.

mkdir -m 700 private

Create a private directory.

Practical Notes

• Use mkdir -p in scripts when parent directories may not exist.
• Directory write permission controls creating/removing names inside it.
• Directory execute permission controls entering/traversing it.
• Use ls -ld directory to inspect directory permissions.