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Relative & Absolute Pathing


Relative and absolute paths are two ways to specify the location of a file or directory within a file system.

  • Absolute Path: An absolute path provides the complete, unambiguous path from the root directory to the target file or directory. It starts with the root directory, typically denoted as "/" on Unix-like systems or with a drive letter (e.g., "C:") on Windows.
/etc/passwd

  • Relative Path: A relative path specifies the location of a file or directory relative to the current working directory. It doesn't start from the root but describes how to navigate from the current position.

../../etc/passwd

Relative paths are more flexible and portable, making it easier to move files and directories within a project without breaking references. However, absolute paths ensure precise identification of a file's location regardless of the working directory, which can be essential in some situations.