An Interactive Guide to Folder Navigation
Visually learn how to move, look, and organize files with this command-line playground.
Before We Begin: What is a Terminal?
A terminal (also called "command line" or "console") is a text-based interface where you type commands instead of clicking buttons. Think of it as having a conversation with your computer using precise instructions.
How to Open Your Terminal
- Windows: Press
Win + R, typecmdorpowershell - Mac: Press
Cmd + Space, typeTerminal - Linux: Press
Ctrl + Alt + T
Welcome to the Command Line
Instead of clicking on folders, a Command-Line Interface (CLI) lets you give your computer precise, written instructions. It's a powerful and fast way to manage files. To help you learn, we've created a safe playground: a "Digital Hospital Records" system. The commands you select below will directly manipulate the file explorer you see here.
Note: These are the same commands that Claude Code uses behind the scenes. Once you understand these basics, you can let Claude Code handle them automatically while you focus on your goals.
👆 Click on any folder or file in the explorer above to learn what it is and which commands work with it. Then try the commands below!
Your Command Toolkit
Click on any command to see it run in the interactive explorer above. The file system will update visually, and the terminal will show the output. Scroll up and down as needed to experience the full effect.
Key Concepts Cheat Sheet
ls(list): See what's inside a folder.cd(change directory): Move between folders.pwd(print working directory): Ask, "Where am I?"- Paths are Addresses: A Relative Path (
./,../) gives directions from where you are now. An Absolute Path (/) gives the full address from the very beginning. - Wildcards (
*): A placeholder.*.txtmeans "any file that ends with .txt". - Flags (
-l,-a): Options that change how a command works, like showing more details or revealing hidden items.