The realpath Function
The realpath function converts a relative path to an absolute one,
resolving all symbolic links and references to parent directories (..).
The function accepts one parameter - the path to a file or directory.
If the path does not exist, the function returns false.
Syntax
realpath(path);
Example
Get the absolute path to the current file:
<?php
echo realpath(__FILE__);
?>
Code execution result (example):
'/var/www/project/index.php'
Example
Try to get the path to a non-existent file:
<?php
$res = realpath('nonexistent/file.txt');
var_dump($res);
?>
Code execution result:
false
Example
Assume that /home/user/link points to /var/www.
Resolve the path with symbolic links:
<?php
echo realpath('/home/user/link/project');
?>
Code execution result (example):
'/var/www/project'
