Open Cygwin at a specific folder

Question

How can I create a Cygwin shortcut that will open Cygwin at a specific folder? This would obviate having to type

cd /cygdrive/c/Users/Tom/Desktop/
         


        

Answer 1

To create a Windows shortcut that launches a Cygwin terminal in a directory of your own choosing, try the following:

• Right-click on the Windows desktop, select 'New', and then select 'Shortcut'.

• For location of the item, enter the following text, changing the mintty path as needed and substituting the name of the desired directory where indicated.

  C:\cygwin64\bin\mintty.exe /bin/sh -lc 'cd DESIRED-DIRECTORY; exec bash'
  

  For example, the OP would use the following text:

  C:\cygwin64\bin\mintty.exe /bin/sh -lc 'cd /cygdrive/c/Users/Tom/Desktop/; exec bash'
  

• Click 'Next'.

• Enter the desired name for the shortcut and click 'Finish'.

Multiple shortcuts can be placed on the desktop to open Cygwin terminals in various often-accessed directories.

Inspired by solution posted on How to open a Cygwin shell at a specific directory from Netbeans? at superuser.com.