The ls command lists what files and folders are in your current directory.

The ls command also takes optional arguments that specify the details you want it to provide. These arguments always come after a dash. For instance, running ls -a lists all files and folders, including any special files or directories that start with a dot (.).

Task

Type ls into the prompt at the right to show the contents of your current directory. Then type ls -a to show the same results plus . and ..; we'll go over what these mean in the next step.

The cd command changes directories to move you to a different folder. The symbol . (just a period) represents the current directory. The symbol .. (a double dot) represents the directory one level above the current directory.

Task

Type pwd to check your current directory. Then type cd . and pwd again to see what changes.

Type cd .. to move up one level, then check your new current directory with pwd.