Join-Path
Use Join-Path to combine path segments into one path using the correct separator for the platform.
Documentation: Microsoft Learn — Join-Path
Syntax
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Join-Path [-Path] <String[]> [-ChildPath] <String> [-AdditionalChildPath <String[]>] [-Resolve] [<CommonParameters>]- Stage 1Join-Path
-Path -ChildPath -AdditionalChildPath -Resolve
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Examples
Run Join-Path
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Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing
C:\Scripts\Archive
Run Join-Path (2)
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Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing
C:\Scripts\Archive\old.ps1
Join-Path -Resolve
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Sample output · fictional data, shaped like the real thing
C:\Scripts\Backup-Files.ps1 C:\Scripts\Health-Check.ps1
Parameters
Parameter definitions:
-Path-ChildPath-AdditionalChildPath-Resolve
Practical use and troubleshooting
Practical scenario: Use Join-Path when you need to combine path segments into one path using the correct separator for the platform. Start with one identified target and inspect the returned values before extending the operation to a list. Keep the identity in your report so you can trace each result back to the object or path that produced it.
Common error and fix: Unexpected separators or malformed paths can come from manual string concatenation. Pass the parent and child separately and check the resulting path with Test-Path before accessing the item. In an unattended script, capture this failure with its original error record and record which target failed. An empty result and an unsuccessful query must remain distinguishable in the final report.
See also: Split-Path. Join-Path combines a parent with a child path using the provider; Split-Path extracts parts of a path. Neither command proves that a file exists. Read the linked command before substituting it; similar names do not imply identical inputs or output.
Recap
Join-Path Use Join-Path to combine path segments into one path using the correct separator for the platform.
Next: Resolve-Path