Lesson 6: Paths — Absolute vs Relative

When you tell the computer where to go, there are two ways: a full address from the start (absolute path) or directions from where you are now (relative path). Understanding the difference prevents a lot of confusion and mistakes.

An absolute path is like a full address with city and street. A relative path is like "two houses to your left".

Absolute path: A path starting from the root /, working from anywhere
Relative path: A path starting from the current folder
. and ..: . is the current folder, .. is the parent folder