What are the differences between accessing files using relative paths versus absolute paths in PHP scripts?

When accessing files in PHP scripts, using relative paths means specifying the file's location in relation to the current directory, while absolute paths specify the file's exact location in the file system. Relative paths can be more portable and easier to work with, but they may not always be reliable if the script is moved to a different directory. Absolute paths provide a definitive reference to the file's location, ensuring consistent file access regardless of the script's location.

// Using relative path to access a file
$file = 'data.txt';

// Using absolute path to access a file
$file = '/var/www/html/data.txt';