Insert php variable in a href

Question

I am planning to insert a PHP variable which holds the directory path for a file stored on my Windows machine. How can I include this variable in the a href tag inside my php script such that when the user clicks this link it should be redirected to that particular folder and file.

For ex: $folder_path = 'C:\docs\test\file1.txt';

Right now I have tried some different ways but with no success. I have also did some research on internet, but alas could not find a proper answer.

If any one has an idea would be thankful if it can be shared. Thanks

Answer 1

echo '<a href="' . $folder_path . '">Link text</a>';

Please note that you must use the path relative to your domain and, if the folder path is outside the public htdocs directory, it will not work.

EDIT: maybe i misreaded the question; you have a file on your pc and want to insert the path on the html page, and then send it to the server?

Answer 2

You could try:

<a href="<?php echo $directory ?>">The link to the file</a>

Or for PHP 5.4+ (<?= is the PHP short echo tag):

<a href="<?= $directory ?>">The link to the file</a>

But your path is relative to the server, don't forget that.