code> has a current directory component and a normal component <code>a</code>.</p></li>
<li><p>The root directory component represents a separator that designates
starting from root. For example, <code>/a/b</code> has a root directory component
followed by normal components <code>a</code> and <code>b</code>.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>On Windows, an additional component type comes into play:</p>

<ul>
<li>Prefix components, of which there is a large variety. For example, <code>C:</code>
and <code>\\server\share</co