realpath
Resolve the absolute canonical path by expanding all symlinks and relative references.
Synopsis
realpath [OPTION]... FILE...
Examples
realpath ./script.sh
realpath -e /usr/local/bin/node
realpath --relative-to=/home /etc/hosts
Common options
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| -e | All components must exist |
| -m | No component need exist |
| -s | Do not resolve symlinks |
| --relative-to | Print path relative to given directory |
About realpath
The `realpath` command resolve the absolute canonical path by expanding all symlinks and relative references. File operation commands are essential for navigating and managing the Linux filesystem.
They form the backbone of everyday system administration and development workflows. Mastering these commands enables you to efficiently create, move, copy, and organize files and directories from the terminal, which is often faster and more scriptable than graphical alternatives.
The command accepts 4 commonly used flags shown above, though the full set of options is available in the man page (`man realpath`). The 3 examples on this page cover typical real-world usage patterns that you can copy and adapt for your own workflows.
Related commands
More File Operations Commands
Other commands in the File Operations category