# : path operator

Source: https://ref.dm-lang.org/operator/path/colon

The colon operator may be used as a short-cut when specifying a path in the DM code tree. Instead of specifying the full path, you can insert a colon and the compiler will search down in the tree with the node you specify. This is known as a "downward" search. You should only use it when the target node is unique.

The following example demonstrates the principle but it obviously doesn't save much typing!

```dm
world
   mob = :player  //short-cut to /mob/player

mob/player
   Login()
      src << "Welcome, [name]."
```

### See also
- [. path operator](https://ref.dm-lang.org/operator/path/dot.md)
- [/ path operator](https://ref.dm-lang.org/operator/path/slash.md)