Is there a reasonable way to implement a cd command on VMS?

Question

I would like to be able to say things like

cd [.fred] and have my default directory go there, and my prompt change to indicate the full path to my current location.

Answer 1

Just type

cd:==set default

at the command prompt. You can also put this in your LOGIN.COM file, but be sure to put a $ in front, i.e.

$ cd:==set default

To change your prompt to show your default, something like this may work up to a point

$ set prompt='f$env("default")'

There is a problem though with the fact that VMS prompt has maximum 32 characters, and your default might be longer than that. Have a look at this page for a way around that problem.

Answer 2

My DCL is really rusty, but can't you create an alias for SET DEFAULT named CD?