pwd

Additional Notes

pwd prints the directory your shell is currently working in. The name means print working directory.

It is simple but important. Before deleting, moving, copying, or editing files, pwd helps confirm where you are.

Syntax

pwd [options]

Parameters

• options: Flags that change how pwd behaves.
• arguments: Values consumed by the shell builtin or script command.
• command: Command line to run, test, wrap, or control.

Common Options

• -L: Print the logical path, using symbolic links as the shell sees them.
• -P: Print the physical path, resolving symbolic links.

Examples

pwd

Show the current directory.

cd /var/log
pwd

Move somewhere, then confirm the new location.

pwd -P

Show the physical path with symlinks resolved.

Practical Notes

• Use pwd before dangerous commands like rm, chmod -R, or chown -R.
• The current directory affects relative paths.
• pwd is often a shell builtin, but /bin/pwd may also exist.
• In scripts, pwd helps build absolute paths from relative work.