realpath

Additional Notes

realpath converts paths into canonical absolute paths. It resolves ., .., duplicate slashes, and symbolic links according to the options used.

Use realpath in scripts when relative paths need to become predictable absolute paths, or when you need to compare paths after symlink resolution.

Syntax

realpath [options] path...

Parameters

• path: File or directory path to resolve.
• options: Controls for missing paths, symlink handling, and relative output.

Common Options

• -e: Require all path components to exist.
• -m: Resolve even if path components are missing.
• -L: Resolve .. before symlinks, logical mode.
• -P: Resolve symlinks as encountered, physical mode.
• --relative-to=DIR: Print a path relative to DIR.
• --relative-base=DIR: Print relative output only if the path is under DIR.
• -s: Do not expand symlinks where supported.

Examples

realpath .

Print the absolute path of the current directory.

realpath ../config

Resolve a relative path.

realpath -e /etc/hosts

Resolve only if the path exists.

realpath -m ./missing/../target

Normalize a path even if parts are missing.

realpath --relative-to=/srv /srv/app/config

Print a path relative to /srv.

Practical Notes

• Use realpath -e when missing paths should be treated as errors.
• Use realpath -m when constructing paths that may not exist yet.
• Use quotes around path variables in scripts because resolved paths can still contain spaces.