What are common pitfalls with pwd command?

The pwd (print working directory) command is a fundamental command in Unix-like operating systems that displays the current directory you're in. While it seems straightforward, there are common pitfalls users may encounter.

  • Misunderstanding Output: Users may misinterpret the directory structure. The output of pwd can vary based on symbolic links.
  • Using it in Scripts: Scripts running with different permissions can yield unexpected results if the current directory isn't set correctly.
  • Ambiguity with Environment Variables: Sometimes users rely too much on pwd without considering other environment variables that might affect navigation.
  • Not Realizing it Affects Relative Paths: Understanding the difference between relative and absolute paths is crucial when navigating or working with files.

By being aware of these pitfalls, users can leverage the pwd command more effectively.

Example usage of pwd:

$ pwd /home/user/documents

pwd command print working directory common pitfalls Unix commands directory navigation