How to Choose Between Absolute and Relative Paths for Linking CSS Files?

Relative Path to CSS File

When referencing a CSS file in a web application, it's crucial to specify the correct path to ensure the style is applied correctly.

Understanding Absolute and Relative Paths

• Absolute paths begin with a slash "/", indicating the root of the hostname.
• Relative paths start from the current URL location.

Specifying the Root of the CSS Directory

In your case, the CSS directory is located at the root of the project folder. To specify the correct path, you have two options:

1. Absolute Path:

<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/css/styles.css">

This path assumes that your project root is directly under the hostname. For example, if your website is located at http://mywebsite.com, this path would work.

2. Relative Path:

<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/styles.css">

This path assumes that the CSS file is in the same directory as the HTML file you are including it in. Since your CSS directory is at the root of the project, this path will also work.

Considerations:

• If you plan to move the CSS directory or remove the /ServletApp/ part of the URL, the absolute path will be more reliable.
• If the CSS file will always be located in the same directory as the HTML file, the relative path is more efficient and simpler.

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