Linux Commands: dirname | Tech Wiki Online

Linux Commands: dirname

In this blog post, we will explore the dirname command and its usage to retrieve the directory portion of a path. Whether you are using Linux, macOS, WSL, or any UNIX environment, the dirname command is an essential tool in your repertoire.

Let’s start with an example: suppose we have a file path /Users/flavio/test.txt. By running the following command:

dirname /Users/flavio/test.txt

We obtain the directory portion of the path, which is /Users/flavio. The dirname command efficiently isolates the directory component from the given path.

The dirname command is particularly useful when you need to manipulate file paths programmatically or manipulate files based on their location within a directory structure. By using dirname, you can extract important information, such as the parent folder or directory of a file.

The versatility of the dirname command extends beyond Linux. You can leverage it on macOS, WSL, and any UNIX-based environment.

To summarize, the dirname command is a powerful tool for extracting the directory portion of a path. Its wide compatibility ensures that you can utilize it across various operating systems and UNIX environments.

Tags: Linux commands, UNIX, macOS, WSL, file path.