Definition of path

the hierarchical description of where a computer directory (folder) or file is located on your computer or on a network.

1. a designation that specifies how to find a file on a disk that has more than one directory. In DOS and Windows, paths have either of two forms. For example,
   AAABBBCCC
   means, "In the root directory there is a directory called AAA. In AAA there is a directory called BBB. In BBB there is a directory or file called CCC."

   If the initial backslash is left out, the path starts at the directory currently in use rather than at the root directory. For example, the path
   AAABBBCCC
   means, "In the current directory there is a directory called AAA. In AAA there is a directory called BBB. In BBB there is a directory or file called CCC." Paths in UNIX are written the same way but with forward slashes (/ rather than ).

2. The set of directories in which the computer will look for an executable file when the user types a command. Some software packages have to be on the path in order to work properly. In DOS andWindows, the current directory is always treated as if it were on the path; in UNIX it is not, unless explicitly included as "." (a period).

   Here are two equivalent ways to add the directory c:mydir at the end of the existing path in DOS and Windows:
   path %path%;c:mydir
   set path=%path%;c:mydir
   Here %path% is a variable that stands for the current path, which you can see by typing the command path with nothing after it.

   InWindows, such a command applies only to the console window in which it was typed. However, in DOS and Windows 95, 98, and Me, the path for the whole computer - applicable to all DOS and Windows programs - is normally set in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (see AUTOEXEC.BAT). In Windows NT, 2000, XP, and their successors, the path is normally controlled by the "System" item on the Control Panel, but if an AUTOEXEC.BAT file exists, it will be read and the path and set path commands in it will be obeyed.

   If the same piece of software has been installed repeatedly, there may be repetitious commands in AUTOEXEC.BAT, leading to a shortage of environment space. See out of environment space.

3. a contour or outline. Objects in a draw program are defined by paths. See draw program; Post Script; vector graphics.
4. a line that defines the movement of an object in an animation.