Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
jason limmm
8,009 Pointswhat is ./ used for
i don't know category is this since this is for the command prompt. but what is ./, ../, and / used for?
1 Answer
Steven Parker
231,271 PointsIn the Linux shell (the workspace command prompt) a slash (/) separates directories ("folders") or a directory name from a file name. This has exactly the same function as the backslash character (\) in a Windows command. If it appears at the beginning of a specification, it means "the root directory" ("root" means the very top level of the filesystem).
A period (.) is a shorthand that means "the current directory".
Similarly, two periods (..) means "the parent directory".
jason limmm
8,009 Pointsjason limmm
8,009 Pointsi don't really understand what is the current directory means
jason limmm
8,009 Pointsjason limmm
8,009 Pointswait nevermind i get it now
jason limmm
8,009 Pointsjason limmm
8,009 Pointsalthough for some reason i can't make you best answer though
Steven Parker
231,271 PointsSteven Parker
231,271 PointsNot sure why, but that option never appears in the "General Discussion" category.