How do I access hidden or specific directories/paths from the finder? I would like to be able to do something simple such as open up a finder and be able to select files that are in '~/' or '/' Is there a simple way to go about doing this?  For instance, sometimes I would just like to be able to point XCode towards a file that finder doesn't show me normally.  Is there a keystroke or something that lets me edit the path I want to view manually?
⇧shift+⌘cmd+G

Opens the Go to the folder: dialog in the Finder window:



This will let you open any folder for the directory you type.