Windows
Linux
File Management
Paths
Windows PowerShell Split-Path equivalent in Linux
Prints the directory portion of a path.
Windows
→
PowerShell Split-Path
Linux equivalents
dirname /path/to/file
dirname /path/to/file
dirname /path/to/file
Overview
What this command does
Prints the directory portion of a path.
Migration tip: Check the distro-specific rows before copying; package names and service names can differ even when the tool name is similar.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Return parent path
Prints the directory portion of a path.
dirname /path/to/file
Return parent path
dirname --help
Show command help when supported
man dirname
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
dirname /path/to/file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: PowerShell Split-Path
dirname /path/to/fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
dirname /path/to/file | Return parent path |
dirname --help | Show command help when supported |
man dirname | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The equivalent is shown for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch. Some rows use a different package manager or helper tool where Linux distributions commonly diverge.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | dirname /path/to/file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | dirname /path/to/file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | dirname /path/to/file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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