Create New Directories Using mkdir Command [5 best Methods]

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: June 25, 2023

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The mkdir command, short for “make directory,” is a fundamental tool that allows you to create new directories effortlessly. With a few simple commands, you can create single directories, multiple directories, nested directories, and even directories with specific permissions. No more clicking through a graphical interface or typing lengthy commands manually! The mkdir command streamlines the directory creation process, saving you time and effort. In this article, I will explore the five types of directories that can be created using the mkdir command, explore advanced directory creation techniques, and common errors that can occur while using mkdir command.

How to Create New Directories Using mkdir Command

To create new directories using mkdir command in Linux, you have several powerful methods at your disposal. From creating single directories to managing nested directories and setting specific permissions, the mkdir command provides flexible options for organizing your files and folders. Additionally, you can incorporate timestamps into directory names for better version control.

1. Single Directories

Creating a single directory using the mkdir command is a straightforward method that allows you to quickly organize your files and folders with meaningful names, making it easier to locate and manage specific content. To create a single directory, follow these steps:

1. Open the Terminal.

2. Enter the following command to create a directory named documents:

<strong>mkdir documents</strong>

3. Press Enter to execute the command.

2. Multiple Directories

The ability to create multiple directories simultaneously with the mkdir command saves time and effort, making it ideal for situations where you need to create several related directories at once, such as setting up project folders or organizing different categories of files.To create multiple directories simultaneously, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Terminal window and enter the mkdir command, followed by the names of the directories separated by spaces. For example, to create directories named photos, videos, and documents, use the following command:

<strong>mkdir photos videos documents</strong>

2. The command will create multiple directories at the same time.

3. Nested Directories

The capability to create nested directories or subdirectories using the mkdir command enables you to establish a hierarchical structure for your files, providing a systematic organization that simplifies navigation and enhances overall file management. Follow these steps to create nested directories:

1. Access the command window.
2. Specify the parent directories along with the child directory names, separated by slashes (/). For example, to create a directory structure with a parent directory named parent and a child directory named child, use the following command:

<strong>mkdir -p parent/child</strong>

3. The command will create a hierarchical structure of the directories.

4. Directories with Different Permissions

By utilizing the mkdir command to create directories with specific permissions, you can ensure the security and integrity of your files, granting appropriate access levels to different users or groups, thus maintaining control over your directory structure. To set specific permissions while creating directories, follow these steps:

1. Enter your command window.
2. Enter the mkdir command, followed by the directory name and the desired permissions. For example, to create a directory named private with read and write permissions, use the following command:

<strong>mkdir -m 600 private</strong>

3. The output will be:

5. Directories with Timestamps

Incorporating timestamps into directory names using the mkdir command helps you track file changes and assists in version control, providing valuable information about the creation or modification times of files, allowing for better organization and historical references.Follow these steps to create directories with timestamps:

1. Luanch the Terminal window and run the mkdir command, followed by the desired directory name, along with the timestamp. For example, to create a directory named backup_20230607, use the following command:

<strong>mkdir backup_20230607</strong>

2. Press Enter to execute the command to create directory with Timestamps.

4 Common Errors When Using mkdir Command

When working with the mkdir command, there are a four common errors that users may encounter. By understanding these common errors and following the suggested resolutions, you can effectively troubleshoot issues when using the mkdir command and create directories without encountering any setbacks. Here are four common errors and suggestions for resolving them:

• 🔒 Permission Denied: This error occurs when you don’t have the necessary permissions to create a directory in the specified location. It can happen if you are trying to create a directory in a system directory or a directory where you do not have write access. To resolve this issue, you can try running the mkdir command with administrative privileges using sudo, which will grant you the necessary permissions. Alternatively, choose a different location where you have write access, such as a directory within your user’s home directory.
• 🔄 Directory Already Exists: If you attempt to create a directory with a name that already exists in the current location, the mkdir command will fail. This error often occurs when you unintentionally use the same name for a directory that already exists. To avoid this error, double-check the directory name you are specifying and ensure it is unique. If you want to create a directory with a similar name, consider adding a number or a descriptive term to make it distinct from the existing directory.
• ❌ Invalid Characters in Directory Name: Certain characters are not allowed in directory names, such as slashes (/), colons (:), question marks (?), or other special characters that have a specific meaning in the command line. If you include these characters in the directory name, the mkdir command will throw an error. To avoid this, ensure that your directory name follows the naming conventions of the file system you are using. Stick to alphanumeric characters, underscores (_), and hyphens (-) to create valid directory names.
• 💾 Insufficient Disk Space: When creating a directory, the mkdir command requires free disk space to allocate the new directory. If your disk space is full or insufficient, you will encounter an error stating that there is not enough space to create the directory. To resolve this, you can free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files or move to a different location with sufficient available space. You can use disk usage analysis tools like df or du to check the disk space utilization and identify areas where you can free up storage.

In Conclusion

By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can confidently use the mkdir command to create single directories, multiple directories, nested directories, directories with specific permissions, and creating directories with timestamp. However, it’s crucial to be aware of common errors that can occur when using the mkdir command.

If you’re eager to expand your understanding of Linux command line utilities, I recommend to explore related articles on advanced Linux commands, directory management, and shell scripting to expand your knowledge and expertise further. With these skills, you’ll be able to navigate the Linux environment with confidence and efficiency.

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