Difference between Absolute and Relative Pathnames in Linux Explained
This video explains the differences between the absolute and relative pathnames in Linux.
The absolute path
The first forward slash (/) represents the root directory. Besides this, all slashes are directory separators.
Besides the last name, all names in the path belong to directories. The last name can belong to a file or directory.
It contains directory names in the hierarchy. It includes the parent directory's name on the left side.
It always goes only in one direction (top to bottom).
It is based on the root directory. It does not change when the current directory changes.
For an object, it is always fixed.
It does not assign or use any special symbol in the path.
You can not exclude any directory from the path, no matter whether you use it with a command or standalone.
The relative path
All forward slashes are the directory separators.
Besides the last name, all names in the path belong to directories.
The last name can belong to a file or directory.
It does not use a hierarchical directory structure. It can contain the parent directory's name on the left or right.
It can go either way (top to bottom or bottom to top).
It is based on the current working directory. It changes when the current directory changes.
For an object, it dynamically changes when the current working directory is changed.
You can exclude the current working directory from the start of the path when using it with a command. However, with a standalone path, it must be included.
It assigns and uses the following special symbol in the path.
Single dot ( . ) = Current directory
Double dots ( .. ) = Parent directory
Tilde ( ~ ) = User’s home directory
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