popd

file managementLinux/Unix

The popd command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. popd Remove a directory from the directory stack

See Examples View Syntax

Quick Reference

Command Name:

popd

Category:

file management

Platform:

Linux/Unix

Basic Usage:

popd [options] [arguments]

Common Use Cases

Syntax

popd [+N | -N]

Options

Option	Description
`+N`	Removes the Nth directory (counting from the left of the list shown by dirs, starting with zero)
`-N`	Removes the Nth directory (counting from the right of the list shown by dirs, starting with zero)

Examples

How to Use These Examples

The examples below show common ways to use the popd command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

# Basic Examples Basic

popd

Remove the top directory from the stack and change to the new top directory.

popd +0

Remove the first directory (index 0) from the stack.

popd +1

Remove the second directory from the stack. popd -0 Remove the last directory from the stack. popd -1 Remove the second-to-last directory from the stack. # Advanced Examples Advanced dirs View the current directory stack. pushd /var Add /var to the directory stack. pushd /tmp Add /tmp to the directory stack. popd Remove the top directory (/tmp) from the stack and change to the new top directory (/var). popd +1 Remove the second directory from the stack without changing the current directory.

Try It Yourself

Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

Understanding Syntax

Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

Notes

The `popd` command is a shell built-in that removes directories from the directory stack. The directory stack is a list of recently visited directories that allows you to navigate between them quickly using the `pushd` and `popd` commands. When used without any arguments, `popd` removes the top directory from the stack and changes the current working directory to the new top directory on the stack. This is the most common use case, allowing you to return to a previous directory after using `pushd`. The directory stack can be viewed using the `dirs` command, which displays the current stack with the top of the stack (current directory) at the left. Some key characteristics of the `popd` command: 1. Built-in Command: `popd` is a shell built-in command in Bash, Zsh, and other Unix shells, not a standalone program. 2. Directory Navigation: It's primarily used for navigating between directories by manipulating the directory stack. 3. Complementary to `pushd`: While `pushd` adds directories to the stack, `popd` removes them. 4. Index Selection: You can specify which directory to remove from the stack using the +N or -N notation. 5. Silent Operation: By default, `popd` doesn't produce any output other than errors, though the current state of the stack can be viewed with `dirs`. The directory stack is particularly useful for navigating between multiple directories during complex tasks, as it allows you to move between directories without having to remember or type full paths repeatedly. Typical use cases include: - Temporarily navigating to another directory to perform an operation and then returning - Managing multiple working directories during development or system administration tasks - Creating scripts that need to operate in multiple directories but return to an original location It's worth noting that the directory stack is session-specific and doesn't persist between shell sessions. If you exit your shell, the directory stack is cleared.

Related Commands

These commands are frequently used alongside popd or serve similar purposes:

Use Cases

Learn By Doing

The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the popd command works in different scenarios.

See Examples Try Lab Exercises

$ popd

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