File and directory paths follow certain conventions. These include the possible use of a drive letter followed by a colon (:), the use of backslash (\\) as the path separator, and the distinction between relative and absolute paths.

Forward slash (/) often works when used instead of (\\) but not always; it is normally used to mark switches (options). Using forward slash can lead to various obscure behaviors, and is best avoided.

Special device names include NUL, CON, PRN, AUX, COM1, ..., COM9, LPT1, ..., LPT9; these can be redirected to.

Examples: