directory with a space

singedwings · 08-24-2004, 05:20 AM

In the console how do you access a directory that has a space in the name? i.e. a directory with the name system files

chrism01 · 08-24-2004, 05:31 AM

Use spaces around the name eg: ls 'system files'.
Be aware that most Unix/Linux cmds do not cope well with this scenario ie try to avoid using spaces in names if possible.

edit: oops... yes i meant use quotes....
BTW, I think myriad-zero means leading backslash ie \
The advantage of using single quote marks is that if the dirname is stored in a variable. you don't have to parse it and insert the leading \'s.

myriad-zero · 08-24-2004, 05:37 AM

Two options to change to the directory with the name "system files"

Code:

# cd "system files"

or

Code:

# cd system\ files

Note that spaces need to be escaped with a leading '\'. This would be applicable for all commands to access the directory.

HTH.

Proud · 08-24-2004, 05:49 AM

I think chrism01 meant use quotation marks around the path string. There's many different types though (" ` ') and it isnt the best solution. I'm assuming the system files directory is on a mounted windows drive so it's probably best to not rename it, so be careful when manipulating it.

singedwings · 08-24-2004, 05:55 AM

Thanks that solved my problem.