An absolute URL includes the full web address with protocol and domain, while a relative URL specifies a path relative to the current page. 1. Use absolute URLs for external websites, ensuring links work anywhere, and when content may be shared. 2. Use relative URLs for internal site navigation, when the site might move domains, or to keep code clean. 3. Absolute URLs always point to the same location and include the domain; relative URLs depend on the current page and lack the domain. 4. Absolute URLs remain valid if the site moves; relative URLs may break if directory structure changes. 5. Absolute means "go exactly here," relative means "go this way from where you are now," with both serving distinct navigation purposes.

The difference between an absolute and a relative URL in HTML comes down to how the link is structured and where it points.

Absolute URL: Full Web Address

An absolute URL includes the complete address of a resource, starting with the protocol (like http:// or https://), the domain name, and optionally the path to a specific file or page.

Example:

<a href="https://www.example.com/blog/post.html">Visit the blog</a>

? Use absolute URLs when:

• Linking to external websites
• Ensuring the link works no matter the current page or domain
• You're building content that might be shared or syndicated (like in RSS feeds or emails)

They’re unambiguous — the browser always knows exactly where to go.

Relative URL: Path Relative to Current Location

A relative URL specifies the path to a resource relative to the current page’s location. It doesn’t include the protocol or domain.

Example:
If you're on https://www.example.com/about.html, and you use:

<a href="contact.html">Contact Us</a>

The browser will look for https://www.example.com/contact.html.

Other examples:

• ./images/photo.jpg → looks in the current directory’s images folder
• ../files/doc.pdf → goes up one directory, then into files

? Use relative URLs when:

• Linking to pages within the same website
• Building a site that may move domains or be developed locally
• Keeping your code cleaner and easier to maintain on large internal sites

Key Differences at a Glance

So, if you're linking to a different website, always use an absolute URL. If you're moving around within your own site, relative URLs are usually simpler and more flexible.

Basically, absolute tells the browser "go exactly here," while relative says "go this way from where you are now."

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