title: PHP base path '/' not working for file system functions
body: <p>I'm at a loss as to why I'm having this problem.  I'm running IIS on Windows 7 for development but have a Linux server for web hosting.</p>
  
  <p>The problem is whenever I use a PHP system function, like <code>file_exists()</code> or <code>move_uploaded_file()</code>, using a path like <code>/support/images/flags/countries/</code> always fails.  The support directory is under the root directory of the site.  All the documentation I have read seems to state that the path should work.  Is this because I use Windows? Even the posts on SO seem to say it should work.</p>
  
  <p>In order to get it to work correctly I have to use a path like <code>{$_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT']}/support/images/flags/countries</code></p>
  
  <p>Can anyone explain why my thinking is wrong?</p>