Why I can't change directories using “cd”?

Question

I\'m trying to write a small script to change the current directory to my project directory:

#!/bin/bash
cd /home/tree/projects/java

I save

Answer 1

It is an old question, but I am really surprised I don't see this trick here

Instead of using cd you can use

export PWD=the/path/you/want

No need to create subshells or use aliases.

Note that it is your responsibility to make sure the/path/you/want exists.

Answer 2

You're doing nothing wrong! You've changed the directory, but only within the subshell that runs the script.

You can run the script in your current process with the "dot" command:

. proj

But I'd prefer Greg's suggestion to use an alias in this simple case.

Answer 3

To make a bash script that will cd to a select directory :

Create the script file

#!/bin/sh
# file : /scripts/cdjava
#
cd /home/askgelal/projects/java

Then create an alias in your startup file.

#!/bin/sh
# file /scripts/mastercode.sh
#
alias cdjava='. /scripts/cdjava'

---

• I created a startup file where I dump all my aliases and custom functions.
• Then I source this file into my .bashrc to have it set on each boot.

For example, create a master aliases/functions file: /scripts/mastercode.sh
(Put the alias in this file.)

Then at the end of your .bashrc file:

source /scripts/mastercode.sh

---

Now its easy to cd to your java directory, just type cdjava and you are there.

Answer 4

to navigate directories quicky, there's $CDPATH, cdargs, and ways to generate aliases automatically

http://jackndempsey.blogspot.com/2008/07/cdargs.html

http://muness.blogspot.com/2008/06/lazy-bash-cd-aliaes.html

https://web.archive.org/web/1/http://articles.techrepublic%2ecom%2ecom/5100-10878_11-5827311.html

Answer 5

The cd is done within the script's shell. When the script ends, that shell exits, and then you are left in the directory you were. "Source" the script, don't run it. Instead of:

./myscript.sh

do

. ./myscript.sh

(Notice the dot and space before the script name.)

Answer 6

When you fire a shell script, it runs a new instance of that shell (/bin/bash). Thus, your script just fires up a shell, changes the directory and exits. Put another way, cd (and other such commands) within a shell script do not affect nor have access to the shell from which they were launched.