In Bash, pushd and popd let you move among a small set of directories using a remembered directory stack instead of repeatedly entering full paths. pushd adds a directory or rearranges the stack; popd removes an entry. By default, both also change the current directory to the stack’s new top.
How Bash’s directory stack works
The GNU Bash Reference Manual describes the directory stack as “a list of recently-visited directories.” The current directory is its top entry, shown first by dirs. The stack is useful when you need to alternate between locations—for example, a source-code directory and a separate build directory.
These commands are Bash builtins documented as part of Bash’s csh-like directory-stack feature. This explanation covers Bash semantics; it does not claim that pushd and popd behave the same way in every Unix shell. See the GNU Bash Reference Manual’s Directory Stack section.
Use pushd to move to a directory and remember it
Run pushd directory with a path to add that directory to the stack and make it the current directory. For example, from ~/project, this command moves to ~/project/build while keeping the previous location on the stack:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
pushd ~/project/build
When you want to switch back and forth between the top two locations, run pushd with no argument. It exchanges those entries, so the previous top becomes current and the other location is ready for the next switch.
Inspect the stack before using indexes
Run dirs to see the remembered paths. These options change how Bash displays the stack:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
dirs -pprints one path per line.dirs -vprints one path per line with an index beside each entry.dirs -ldisplays full pathnames rather than using tilde notation.dirs -cclears the stack.
Use dirs -v before a command with an index. Bash numbers entries from zero: +N counts from the left side of dirs output, and -N counts from the right.
Rotate or remove a specific stack entry
Indexed forms let you bring a remembered directory to the top or remove an entry farther down the stack. The index counts from zero, and the signs indicate which end to count from:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Command | Effect on stack | Current-directory behavior |
|---|---|---|
pushd +N or pushd -N |
Rotates the selected entry to the top; +N counts from the left of dirs output, -N from the right. |
Changes to the resulting top by default. |
popd or popd +0 |
Removes the top entry. | Changes to the new top by default. |
popd +N or popd -N |
Removes the selected entry, counting from the left with +N or from the right with -N. |
Removing the top normally changes to the new top; removing another entry does not make that removed location current. |
For instance, if dirs -v shows the directory you need at index 2, pushd +2 rotates it to the top and changes to it. popd +2 instead removes that indexed entry. Check the displayed order first so you remove or select the intended path.
Change the stack without changing directories
Add -n to pushd or popd when you want to manipulate the stack without the normal directory change. For example, pushd -n directory adds an entry without changing the current directory. This is a distinct mode, not the default behavior.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Bash also exposes the stack as the DIRSTACK array. Assigning to that array does not itself change the shell’s current working directory. Use pushd and popd when you need to add or remove stack entries through the builtins.
Recognize failures and command output
An empty stack, a nonexistent index, or an invalid option causes the operation to fail with an unsuccessful status. If a command’s normal directory change cannot be completed because the underlying directory change fails, the builtin also returns nonzero. On successful pushd and popd operations, Bash runs dirs to display the resulting stack.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
