Relative paths are defined by where you are currently "standing" (your current working directory). Unlike absolute paths, they never begin with a forward slash (/).
Instead, relative paths begin in one of three ways:
1. With a Directory or File Name
If the file or folder is located immediately inside your current directory, you simply start with its name.
- Example:
cd project - Meaning: "Look for a folder named 'project' right here where I am."
2. With a Single Dot (.)
The . represents the current directory. Starting a path with ./ is common when running scripts or being very explicit.
- Example:
./script.sh - Meaning: "Run the file named 'script.sh' located in this exact folder."
3. With Two Dots (..)
The .. represents the parent directory (one level up).
- Example:
cd .. - Meaning: "Move up one level from where I am now."
- Example:
ls ../another_folder - Meaning: "Go up one level, then look for a folder named 'another_folder'."
Summary Comparison
| Path Type | Starting Character | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute | Always / |
/home/labex/project |
| Relative | A name, . , or .. |
project or ../labex |
Quick Tip: If you see a path that doesn't start with /, it is a relative path! It is "relative" to the location you see when you type pwd.
