Technology
How to Create a Directory in Ubuntu (mkdir)
How to Create a Directory in Ubuntu (mkdir)
Creating a directory in Ubuntu or any other Linux system is a straightforward process made simple with the mkdir (make directory) command. This command is a core component of Unix and Unix-like operating systems, making it easily recognizable for those familiar with DOS or Windows environments. Let's delve into how you can use mkdir to create directories on your Ubuntu system.
Introduction to mkdir
The mkdir command is used to create new directories. In Unix/Linux systems, it is often abbreviated to md for brevity. If you want to know more about the command, you can use the man (manual) command to access detailed documentation.
Using mkdir
To create a directory, open your terminal. You can do this by pressing Ctrl Alt T or by searching for 'Terminal' in your applications menu.
Basic Syntax
The basic syntax for the mkdir command is:
mkdir [options] directory_nameFor example, to create a directory named documents, you would type:
mkdir documentsWhen you run this command, the documents directory will be created in your current working directory. However, if you wish to create a directory in a different location, you can specify the path. For instance, to create a directory in the /home/user/documents directory, you would use:
mkdir /home/user/documentsCreating Multiple Directories at Once
If you need to create multiple directories at once, you can separate them with a space:
mkdir dir1 dir2 dir3Each of these directories will be created in the current working directory.
Using Relative and Absolute Paths
Absolute paths start from the root directory (//), while relative paths are relative to the current working directory. For example:
mkdir /home/user/officeThis command will create a directory named office in the /home/user directory.
Using -p and -m Flags
Use the -p flag to create parent directories if they don't exist:
mkdir -p /home/user/documents/sub-folderUse the -m flag to set permissions for the new directory. For example, to give the owner read, write, and execute permissions:
mkdir -m 700 new_directoryExamples of mkdir in Action
Let's go through some practical examples to see how mkdir works in action:
Basic Example
Open your terminal using Ctrl Alt T. Run the following command to create a directory named projects in your home directory: mkdir projectsNow, you should see a new projects directory in your home directory.
Creating Directories in Different Locations
Use the command mkdir /user/documents/new_notebooks to create a directory named new_notebooks in the /user/documents directory. You can also create multiple directories at once, like so: mkdir /user/pictures /user/videos /user/downloads.Using Advanced Flags
To create a directory and its parent directories, use the -p flag: mkdir -p /user/office/finance/2023 will create the office, finance, and 2023 directories if they don't already exist. To set permissions for a new directory, use the -m flag: mkdir -m 755 my_documents will create the my_documents directory with the specified permissions.Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers related to using the mkdir command in Ubuntu:
Q: Can I create a directory with a space in its name?
A: Yes, you can create a directory with a space in its name. You just need to enclose the directory name in quotes, like:
mkdir "my photo album"However, it's generally better to avoid spaces in directory names to avoid potential issues with the shell.
Q: Can I create multiple directories at once?
A: Yes, you can create multiple directories by separating them with spaces. For example:
mkdir dir1 dir2 dir3This will create three directories named dir1, dir2, and dir3 in the current working directory.
Q: How do I create a directory with specific permissions?
A: Use the -m flag to set permissions. For example, mkdir -m 755 new_directory will create a new directory with permissions that allow read, write, and execute for the owner and read and execute for others.
Conclusion
Creating directories in Ubuntu or any Unix/Linux system is a fundamental task that can be easily accomplished using the mkdir command. Whether you need to create a single directory or multiple directories, the mkdir command is a powerful tool in your arsenal. Whether you are new to Linux or a seasoned user, mastering the mkdir command will undoubtedly enhance your efficiency and productivity.