Writing & StyleStyle guide

Using Relative Paths in Code Snippet References

Using Relative Paths in Code Snippet References records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal grammar rule.

Quick answer

Use supported relative paths when a Microsoft Learn snippet reference points to a source file relative to the article or repository location.

Key details

Core Issuerelative paths in snippet references
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Important caveats

Scope Boundary

This page is limited to Microsoft Learn snippet-reference path syntax and does not prescribe file-path style for unrelated prose or command examples.

Further guidance

Content

Use supported relative paths when a Microsoft Learn snippet reference points to a source file relative to the article or repository location.

Purpose

Keep technical documentation readable, reusable, and unambiguous for readers while following current Microsoft Learn contributor conventions.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. How to include code in docs — Microsoft Learn Contributor Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft Learn contributor guidance on including code in documentation, including link/code styling, code-block quality checks, screenshots, validation, highlighting, scrollability, bad-code labeling, and in-repository snippet references.

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