cd then ls new directory in same command

ThirtySixBelow · 01-02-2010, 06:52 PM

I would like to use something like a 'cdl' alias that would cd into the directory i choose and then ls the contents automatically. I find myself using ls after i cd into a directory all the time. Something like:

alias='cdl=cd $1;ls'

usage: cdl /local/dir

(not very good at scripting up commands but hopefully that makes sense)

GrapefruiTgirl · 01-02-2010, 06:56 PM

you have the right idea, but your alias syntax is wrong. Also, rather than using an alias for this idea, you would likely be better off writing a function and putting it into your ~/.bash_profile or /etc/bash_profile.

A simple function like this (which I named "cdl"):

Code:

cdl () {
cd "$1" && ls
}

and would work like you suggested:

shell$ cdl /some/dir

would go to that dir, and ls the contents.

NOTE: this is untested, but should work, or very nearly so.

Sasha

ThirtySixBelow · 01-02-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrapefruiTgirl

you have the right idea, but your alias syntax is wrong. Also, rather than using an alias for this idea, you would likely be better off writing a function and putting it into your ~/.bash_profile or /etc/bash_profile.

A simple function like this (which I named "cdl"):

Code:

cdl () {
cd "$1" && ls
}

and would work like you suggested:

shell$ cdl /some/dir

would go to that dir, and ls the contents.

NOTE: this is untested, but should work, or very nearly so.

Sasha

This works like a charm! I didn't know you could directly call scripted functions like this.