An Absolute Path is a location of a directory or file in a computer, which is also commonly referred to as file path and full path. It contains the root directory as well as all other subdirectories. In which the file or directory contains, where the directories and subdirectories listed in the path are separated by a forward slash(/).
Paths are used largely in operating systems for representing the file and directory relationships. They are also crucial to the operation of the internet and basis formation of URLs.
Just like as the absolute path for the computer start with a drive letter. Similarly, for the web, it starts with the root directory of the file.
However, there are also relative paths in addition to absolute paths. They define the location of a file relative to the working directory, or the current directory you are located in. It doesn’t matter what directory you are currently in you can always use an absolute path to locate a resource on the system because these paths use a root directory that is usually on the top of the file tree.
For example, like in Linux and Unix based operating systems the absolute path usually start with a forward slash (/). Each directory is also separated by forwarding slashes.
Example:
- /home/aditi/www/blog/index.php
In Microsoft, Windows-based operating systems and web servers are separated by backslashes and start with a drive letter.
- C:\Windows\Users\aditi\html\docs\blog\index.php
URLs follow the Unix convention on the internet for using forwards slashes to separate files and as well as directories on servers.
Absolute path vs Relative path
An absolute path contains a complete URL, which includes a protocol, a website’s domain name or maybe a specific file whereas a relative link only contains the name of the specific file or page, which is relative to the current path. You may refer to the difference given here:
How to find the absolute path of your WordPress root directory?
By navigating the folder structure in your device or if you want to find the absolute path of your WordPress installation on the web server. You have to:
- Download file absolute-path.php
| <?php $p = getcwd(); echo $p; ?> |
- Place this file where you have installed WordPress or on your web server.
- Move to the URL address of the file on your browser
For Example – http://mywebsite.com/absolute-path.php
- Then the browser will reveal the absolute path of your root directory.
Echo Absolute path of WordPress Installation
You can simply use this command –
Echo ABSPATH;https://www.wpglobalsupport.com/glossary/wpconfig-php/
//Shows the absolute path of WordPress
ABSPATH is a constant defined in the wp-config.php file where Wp-config.php is also known as WordPress configuration file used to set up a database connection. Moreover, it has a lot of features and opportunities for optimization and refers to the directory in which WordPress is installed.
The wp-config.php file contains important information to make your WordPress website operate, including MySQL database connection settings, WordPress salts & keys, WordPress database table prefix, WordPress language and ABSPATH (the absolute path) to the WordPress directory.
WordPress uses PHP to store and retrieve data from MySQL databases, by using the SQL queries within the PHP markup. WordPress data tables are deeply integrated with the MySQL engine. Allowing you to create both small and large databases, and to create, read, and edit data in these databases quickly efficiently.
WordPress stores your database information in a file called wp-config.php. This file is usually located in the document root directory of your domain name.
This file is one of the most important files in your WordPress installation. Without it, your WordPress website couldn’t function. Consequently, it is found in your WordPress root directory and has a lot of information like database connection data, username, password, etc.