What does “./” mean in the Linux command line?

In our previous post, we discussed using Linux commands on Windows. Have you ever noticed a special notation in such commands? Every language and every command has a specific element that denotes something. Similarly, with Linux commands, we can see multiple signs before executing any action. Usually, people who prefer to use the Linux operating system have some basic knowledge of it. But there is still one notation that users want to know.

I mean, there is a special notation “./” used frequently throughout the entire Linux command. However, even though people have a basic understanding of Linux, most users skip the “./” notation. And here comes the problem: if you don’t know about the “./” command in Linux, then you might lose your grip. For such a scenario, we have come ahead and tried to figure out all the relevant things about the “./” sign. So, without any further ado, let’s see what exactly “./” is.

What Does “./” Mean in the Linux Command Line?

The strongest attraction of Linux commands is their faster response compared to GUIs. In addition to that, these command lines can be used in any environment, even on servers. Furthermore, Linux commands can also be scripted. It’s a surprise! I know the answer to your question. Look, scripting is a special benefit of Linux that means arranging commands in a specific manner. For that, while arranging them in a particular order, we need to specify the path of the file, meaning to which place such a script belongs.

Since under Linux Terminal, we can write different commands for different directories, it is important to remember the current directory. Linux developers initiated “./” to indicate the current directory. No matter which file you use “./” for, it shows that the file is stored in your current directory. Meanwhile, “./” means a notation that represents the current directory path. If any command does not have this sign, that means it is a program listed in one of the local directories.

We use this notation to clarify the ambiguity of file location. I hope you now understand what exactly “./” means under the Linux command line. Note that in Linux, before running a command, you should give it proper permission; otherwise, it will not work. Apart from the “./” notation, the Linux command line has some more hidden notations that people still don’t know. For your reference, we are sharing a few basic notations under the Linux command line in the table below.

In conclusion, Linux commands cover a wide spectrum of space where plenty of commands work separately. I hope we have made a better contribution to your understanding of the “./” query. Additionally, to make you more independent, we have mentioned all the common Linux command-line notations along with their meanings. So that you can get a basic idea of how to execute a Linux command. This was all about what “./” means in the Linux command line. Even after this, if any user has a query, ask them below.

Frequently Asked Questions