Confusion in relative links

Question

Suppose the file images.html is in the pictures folder, which is the subfolder of photos.

Now, I have a file named index.html in the photos folder. In this file, I want to add a link, linking to images.html

Now, which one is the correct link for images.html file-

1. <a href="/photos/pictures/images.html">

2. <a href="/pictures/images.html">

Also, one more question,

If I want to point a file located in the upper directory of the current directory, I use (../), so if I want to jump 2 or more directory above, then what will be the link?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Depends from which folder you start the web server.
if you started from a folder named photos. Then link will be relative to that folder "pictures/images.html"

For jumping two or more directory listing above current you can chain ../ n number of times "../../../", Or provide full directory path to the target file.

Of course, for better security it's better to limit access to current folder and a few subdirectories.
Giving full file system access through your web server is not a good idea. Create a dedicated folder and limit acess to a few folders only.

Answer 2

Yes Himanshu Rai

Edit: the file path should not start with "/" but "./" or the actual path "subfolder1/subfolder2/file.jpg" for relative paths.

Here's an article discussing differences between relative vs absolute file paths: https://www.computernetworkingnotes.com/rhce-study-guide/differences-between-absolute-path-and-relative-path-in-linux.html

Answer 3

You using (../) for accessing upper directory is like that for to access further you can use (/folder/photos/pictures/images.html)

Answer 4

Ok, got it!

Answer 5

So if I want to point a file, located in a subfolder of the current folder, I don't need to mention the name of the current folder, I can start link URL with subfolder name, like:

<a href="/subfolder/filename">

This link is relative to the location of the file, in which the link is present, so this is correct?