How to create a new subdirectory with a single command on Linux

This article explains how to create a new sub-directory in Linux using the mkdir command. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, understanding this basic file system operation is essential for managing directories and organizing files effectively.

In this tutorial you will learn:

• How to create a single directory
• How to create multiple directories and manage nested directories using the -p option

Software Requirements and Linux Command Line Conventions

Category	Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used
System	Any Linux distribution
Software	No specific software required, only the shell environment
Other	Access to a terminal or command line interface
Conventions	# – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command $ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user

Creating Directories in Linux

Creating directories is a fundamental skill needed for organizing files in Linux. Below, we provide detailed steps and examples to create directories using the mkdir command.

1. Creating a Single Directory: To create a new directory, you can use the mkdir command followed by the name of the directory.

   $ mkdir newdir

   This command will create a directory named newdir in the current working directory.

2. Understanding the -p Option: The -p option allows you to create nested directories (i.e., a directory and its subdirectories) in a single command. It also prevents error messages if the directory already exists.

   $ mkdir -p newdir/subdir/subsubdir

   Without the -p option, attempting to create nested directories without their parent existing will result in an error:

   $ mkdir newdir/subdir/subsubdir

   This would typically produce an error saying mkdir: cannot create directory ‘newdir/subdir/subsubdir’: No such file or directory if newdir/subdir does not already exist.

   

Conclusion

Understanding how to use the mkdir command with and without the -p option can significantly ease the management of directories on Linux systems. By mastering these commands, you can efficiently manage files and directories, ensuring a well-organized file system.