How to Change Default Directory in Node.JS

Question

I am trying to change the default folder in node.js. I went to the following link in the node.js documentation: https://nodejs.org/api/process.html#process_process_chdir_directory

I then generated the following code in a .js file:

console.log('Starting directory: ${process.cwd()}');
try {
  process.chdir('C:\Users\HalvorSD\node-party');
  console.log('New directory: ${process.cwd()}');
} catch (err) {
  console.error('chdir: ${err}');
}

I get the error thrown in my console. The directory does exist so that's not the problem. Is my directory formatting incorrect or what's my issue?

I am trying to change the default from C:/Windows/System32/ to what I have above. Any help would be much appreciated.

joews · Accepted Answer · 2017-06-23 19:34:59Z

2

JavaScript uses \ for String escape sequences. Use \\ for a literal backslash:

process.chdir('C:\\Users\\HalvorSD\\node-party');

Alternatively use path.join for cross-platform paths:

const path = require('path')
process.chdir(path.join('C', 'Users', 'HalvorSD', 'node-party'));

edited Jun 23, 2017 at 19:34

answered Jun 23, 2017 at 18:55

joews

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3 Comments

SDH Over a year ago

Do you know how to get it to permanently change on load? It still loads to /windows/system32/ when I open node.js

joews Over a year ago

I don't think so - you need to run process.chdir right at the start of your program.

SDH Over a year ago

Would it cause problems if I put it in the system32 folder?

Roman · Accepted Answer · 2017-08-22 05:39:59Z

1

If you are going to change default directory for "Node.js command prompt" every time, when you launch it, then (Windows case)

go the directory where NodeJS was installed
find file nodevars.bat
open it with editor as administrator

change the default path in the row which looks like

if "%CD%\"=="%~dp0" cd /d "%HOMEDRIVE%%HOMEPATH%"

with your path. It could be for example

    if "%CD%\"=="%~dp0" cd /d "c://MyDirectory/"

if you mean to change directory once when you launched "Node.js command prompt", then execute the following command in the Node.js command prompt:

     cd c:/MyDirectory/

answered Aug 22, 2017 at 5:39

Roman

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