Create abs_path function

documents/references.md

@@ -39,6 +39,9 @@ Various references used in project.
 ### Check for Root User
 <https://stackoverflow.com/a/18216122>
 
+### Get Absolute Directory
+<https://stackoverflow.com/a/21188136>
+
 ### Text Manipulation
 #### Change Output Color
 <https://stackoverflow.com/a/5947802>

utils.sh

@@ -27,6 +27,58 @@ return_value=""
 #endregion Global Utility Variables
 
 
+#region Directory Functions
+
+###
+ # Gets absolute path of passed location.
+ ##
+function get_absolute_path () {
+
+    # Check number of passed function args.
+    if [[ ${#} == 1 ]]
+    then
+        # Expected number of args passed. Continue.
+
+        # Check location type.
+        if [[ -f ${1} ]]
+        then
+            # Handle for file.
+            return_value="$(cd "$(dirname "$1")"; pwd -P)/$(basename "$1")"
+
+        elif  [[ -d ${1} ]]
+        then
+            # Handle for directory.
+
+            # Extra logic to properly handle values of "./" and "../".
+            local current_dir="$(pwd)"
+            cd ${1}
+
+            # Then call this to have consistent symlink handling as files.
+            return_value="$(cd "$(dirname "$(pwd)")"; pwd -P)/$(basename "$(pwd)")"
+
+            # Change back to original location once value is set.
+            cd ${current_dir}
+        else
+            echo -e "${text_red}Passed value ( ${1} ) is not a valid file or directory.${text_reset}"
+            exit 1
+        fi
+
+    # Handle for too many args.
+    elif [[ ${#} > 1 ]]
+    then
+        echo -e "${text_red}Too many args passed. Expected one arg, received ${#}.${text_reset}"
+        exit 1
+
+    # Handle for too few args.
+    else
+        echo -e "${text_red}Too few args passed. Expected one arg, received 0.${text_reset}"
+        exit 1
+    fi
+}
+
+#endregion Directory Functions
+
+
 #region User Check Functions
 
 ###