Creating links between the pages of a website seems simple at first glance. However, choosing between an absolute URL or a relative URL can have non -negligible technical and even SEO consequences.

Whether you are a developer, integrator or site manager, understanding the difference between absolute and relative links is essential to maintain a powerful, well structured and easy to migrate site.

The purpose of this guide is to clarify these sometimes vague concepts, explaining how absolute and relative paths work, in which cases to use them, and what are their implications in terms of referencing, navigation and maintenance.

The difference between absolute and relative url

Let's start by clarifying a point: absolute path, absolute link and absolute url mean the same thing.

On the other hand, a relative link, a relative path and a relative URL also have the same meaning.

In both cases, this is an HTML link that redirects the user from one web page to another page.

What is an absolute link?

An absolute link (or absolute path) contains the full address of a resource, including:

  • The protocol (http: // or https: //)
  • Domain name
  • the directory (or sub-folders)
  • And possibly the path to a page, a file or an image.

It is mandatory to use absolute URLs if you want to redirect to another site, since the domain is not the same.

Absolute path example

Contact

In this case, the browser can access this resource from anywhere on the web, because the address is complete and independent of the original page.

Benefits of an absolute URL

An absolute URL has significant advantages:

  • Always valid, regardless of the location of the source file.
  • Recommended for external links or unionized content (RSS feed, emails).
  • Less confusion for indexing robots (Googlebot, etc.).

What is a relative link?

A relative link (or relative path) indicates the location of a resource according to the position of the current HTML file. It does not contain protocol or domain name, but just a local path.

It is therefore not possible to use relating to other websites, since the URL path will not contain the domain name. You can only use relative URLs to redirect a user to pages of the same website.

Example of a relative path

Simple example (same file):

Page 2

Example to a parent folder ::

Retour à l'accueil

The browser interprets this path from the location of the current HTML file. It's a bit like saying “Go to this sub-folder” or “go back a level”.

Advantages of a relative URL

  • Ideal for internal links on the same site.
  • Lighter (fewer characters to type).
  • Very practical for developing or migration sites (change in domain, transition to production) because it is not necessary to modify the start of the URL.

Please note: a poorly placed or poorly structured link can quickly cause navigation errors, especially if the files are poorly organized.

When should you use an absolute link or a relative link?

Choosing between an absolute link and a relative link is not at random. It all depends on what you want to link, the context in which the link will be used, and the technical or strategic constraints of your site.

Use of Absolute URLs

Absolute links are generally reserved for resources located outside your own site. They include the full address (with the protocol and the domain name), which makes them independent of the source file.

For example, if you create a link to another platform, a partner site or a press article, an absolute link is essential. It guarantees that, regardless of the place from which the link is clicked, the browser will know exactly where to go.

They are also recommended in contexts where your content can be displayed outside your original site, such as in RSS feeds, newsletters or mobile applications. In these cases, a relative link would not work, because it would be interpreted outside its initial context.

Use of relative URLs

The relative links, conversely, are designed to navigate inside your own site. They indicate a path compared to the current position of the HTML file, which makes them particularly practical during development or maintenance.

If you move your site to another area, all the relative links will continue to operate without the need to be modified, which can be a considerable time saving.

If you have a WordPress blog for example and make internal mesh, using a relative path is to be preferred.

What impact according to the type of link used?

The type of link (absolute or relative) influences several aspects of the operation and management of a website: SEO, migration, maintenance, performance, and compatibility.

SEO and visibility in search engines

Absolute links are generally safer for natural referencing. They indicate a full path from the root of the site, which avoids duplicated content errors. This is particularly useful in RSS feeds, emails or content extracts disseminated out of site, where relative links may no longer work.

Conversely, relative URLs make it possible to avoid 404 errors in the event of a change in URL structure. For example, if you change the path of your URLs by reversing the blog repertoire or the subfolders of your product categories, if you use absolute URLs, you must change all URLs by hand.

For images or shared documents, absolute URLs make it possible to properly declare the property of the content in the search results (especially Google Images).

Migration and change of domain

The relative links facilitate the migration of a site to a new server or another domain name. As they do not depend on the field, they remain valid as long as the repreation of directories do not change.

A well -structured site with relative paths can be duplicated, moved or put online in a pre -production environment without having to correct all hand links.

Daily maintenance and management

In a site whose files are organized by directory, the relative links allow more flexible and light management. They reduce the weight of the HTML code and facilitate local updates.

On the other hand, they require a good understanding of the structure of the site. A level error (e.g. ../ Or bad path) can quickly break the navigation if the link does not find the right target document.

Compatibility and display

Some contexts – such as RSS feed readers, indexing platforms or social networks – do not correctly interpret the relative links. In these cases, absolute links guarantee maximum compatibility.

Use the right URL structure

As you can see, the use of absolute or relative URLs depends on the use you have of your site. If the choice has little short -term impact, it becomes problematic the day you have to make a migration or a change of domain name for example.

If you use absolute URLs, the advantage is that it is possible to change them en masse using a script for example. But it is also possible to carry out this manipulation with relative links.

If you encounter difficulties related to the path of your URLs, do not hesitate to contact a web developer who can help you resolve them on freelance Coder.com!