how to use mkdir -p

sigint-ninja · 07-30-2015, 08:02 AM

hi guys

trying to make a parent directory using mkdir -p
but it doesnt seem to work,just creates in the same directory

i tried
mkdir -p parenttest foldertest
this just created 2 folders in current
can somebody explain
man pages for mkdir just have -p create parent (but doesnt
explain usage)

tried googling...couldnt find usage...thanks

sigint-ninja · 07-30-2015, 08:04 AM

no thought i had it...dont really understand how this works.

michaelk · 07-30-2015, 08:40 AM

The correct syntax is:

mkdir -p /parent/folder_test.

If parent does not already exist it will be created. You can also use relative paths i.e.

mkdir -p parent/folder_test

If your current working directory is your home (/home/username) then the above command would create a directory tree /home/username/parent/folder_test

ajaycentos · 07-30-2015, 12:18 PM

Correct Syntax is mkdir -p foldername1/foldername2.

Remember there is no space between the foldernames. Need to use /.