# ExpandPath

Returns a path equivalent to the relative_path appended to the base template path. Note the following:

- ExpandPath creates a platform-appropriate path. You can use either a slash (/) or a back slash (\) in the specified relative path.
- The return value contains a trailing slash (or back slash) if the specified relative path contains a trailing slash (or back slash).

  See also FileExists, GetCurrentTemplatePath, and GetFileFromPath.

### Syntax

    ExpandPath(relative_path)

##### relative_path

Any relative path. ExpandPath converts relative directory references (.\ and ..\)to an absolute path. The function throws an error if this argument or the resulting absolute path is invalid.

### Examples

    <!--- This example shows the use of ExpandPath --->
    <HTML>
    <HEAD>
    <TITLE>
    ExpandPath Example
    </TITLE>
    </HEAD>

    <BODY BGCOLOR=silver>
    <H3>ExpandPath Example</H3>

    <CFSET thisPath= ExpandPath("*.*")>
    <CFSET thisDirectory= GetDirectoryFromPath(thisPath)>
    <CFOUTPUT>
    The current directory is: #GetDirectoryFromPath(thisPath)#

    <CFIF IsDefined("FORM.yourFile")>
    <CFIF FORM.yourFile is not "">
    <CFSET yourFile = FORM.yourFile>
        <CFIF FileExists(ExpandPath(yourfile))>
        <P>Your file exists in this directory.  You entered
        the correct file name, #GetFileFromPath("#thisPath#/#yourfile#")#
        <CFELSE>
        <P>Your file was not found in this directory:
    ...