bd
A Zsh plugin that quickly jumps back to a specific parent directory without typing multiple `../` sequences.
What is bd?
zsh-bd is a Zsh shell plugin that enables quick navigation to parent directories without typing multiple `../` sequences. It solves the problem of redundant typing when moving up through deep directory structures by allowing users to jump directly to specific parent directories.
Zsh users who frequently navigate complex directory trees, particularly developers and system administrators working in terminal environments.
Developers choose zsh-bd because it eliminates repetitive typing, integrates seamlessly with Zsh's completion system, and provides a more efficient alternative to traditional `cd` commands for upward navigation.
Overview
Jump back to a specific directory, without doing cd ../../..
Use Cases
Best For
- Quickly navigating up from deep project directories
- Reducing typing when moving between parent folders
- Zsh users who want faster shell navigation
- Working with nested project structures
- Improving terminal workflow efficiency
- Avoiding repetitive cd ../ commands
Not Ideal For
- Users of non-Zsh shells like Bash or Fish who need cross-shell compatibility
- Developers working in flat directory structures with minimal parent navigation needs
- Teams relying on graphical IDEs or file explorers for most file system operations
Pros & Cons
Pros
Allows jumping directly to parent directories using their names or numerical positions, eliminating repetitive typing of `cd ../..` commands as shown in the usage examples.
Leverages Zsh's shell capabilities, such as built-in tab completion for suggesting parent directory names, enhancing the user experience.
A single script with minimal dependencies, making it easy to source and integrate into Zsh configurations without bloating the shell environment.
Tab completion automatically suggests available parent directory names, reducing errors and speeding up navigation, as demonstrated in the animated GIF.
Cons
Only compatible with Zsh, so users of other shells like Bash or Fish cannot use this plugin, limiting its applicability.
No commits since 2017, as noted in the README, which may indicate a lack of bug fixes, updates, or community support over time.
Requires manual sourcing or setup with antigen, which can be more cumbersome compared to package manager installations or pre-installed plugins in some Zsh frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
zoxideA smarter cd command. Supports all major shells.
zsh-autosuggestionsFish-like autosuggestions for zsh
zsh-syntax-highlightingFish shell like syntax highlighting for Zsh.
autojumpA cd command that learns - easily navigate directories from the command line
Found a gem we're missing?
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.