---
id: colcon-cd
version: "0.1.1"
license: Apache License, Version 2.0
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: aging
---

# colcon-cd — A shell function for colcon to change the current working directory.

License: permissive · Maintenance: aging · Downloads: 163.4K/mo

## What it is and what it does

colcon-cd is a plugin for colcon-core that adds a shell function to quickly navigate between directories in a colcon workspace. It depends on colcon-core and colcon-package-information to integrate with the colcon build system. The package is designed for developers working with colcon workspaces who want a convenient way to change directories without typing full paths.

The package is in Alpha status and has not been updated since October 2019. While the repository remains active with occasional commits, the lack of recent releases suggests limited ongoing development. It is intended for macOS and POSIX systems and targets developers using colcon for build management.

Use it for:

- Navigate quickly between package directories in a colcon workspace during development
- Reduce typing when switching between multiple colcon packages during builds or testing
- Integrate directory navigation into shell workflows for colcon-based projects
- Automate workspace directory changes in shell scripts that manage colcon builds

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Provides a shell function for colcon-core that enables quick directory changes within a colcon workspace.

Yes, if you actively use colcon and work with multiple packages in a workspace. The low install friction and permissive license make it a safe addition. However, the aging codebase (last release 2019-10-21) means you should verify compatibility with your current colcon-core version and shell environment before relying on it in production workflows.

## Install

pip install colcon-cd
uv add colcon-cd
poetry add colcon-cd

## Installing colcon-cd

Before you install: Low install friction with a pure Python wheel. Maintenance is aging—last release was 2019-10-21 and the repository shows no recent activity, though it remains unarchived and receives occasional commits.

License in practice: Apache License 2.0 is permissive; you may use, modify, and distribute this package freely in commercial or private projects with minimal restrictions.

Quickstart:

pip install colcon-cd

# After installation, source the shell function in your shell configuration
# (see colcon documentation for shell-specific setup)
# Then use: cd <package-name> to navigate within your colcon workspace

Requires colcon-core and colcon-package-information to be installed; shell integration setup depends on your shell type (bash, zsh, etc.)

Verify before relying:

- Whether the shell function works correctly with modern colcon-core versions given the age of the last release
- Compatibility with current shell environments (bash, zsh, fish) not specified in the fact sheet
- Whether Python version support has changed since the unspecified declaration

## Package facts

- License: Apache License, Version 2.0 (permissive)
- Python support: unspecified
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: aging
- Downloads: 163.4K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

colcon directory navigation, shell cd function colcon, colcon workspace navigation, quick directory change colcon, colcon shell integration, colcon working directory, colcon cd command, colcon-plugin, shell-integration, workspace-navigation

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