How to Map the File Path in Asp.Net Web API

Usually, in Asp.Net we would use the Server.MapPath() method for mapping the file path on the server. In this method, you are required to define the virtual path of the file and the method will return the physical path.

Here is an example on how to get the physical or absolute file path using Server.MapPath() method.

var sPath = Server.MapPath("/FilePath/");

Map File Path in Web API

To get the physical file path in a Web API, you need to use HostingEnvironment.MapPath() method.

var sPath = System.Web.Hosting.HostingEnvironment.MapPath("/FilePath/");

You will need to apply this method when your application do not have access to HttpContext.Current properties, under the System.Web namespace. By default, an Asp.Net page refers to the System.Web to get access to various methods in the HttpContext class.

For example, Server.CreateObject or Server.MapPath() etc.

However, if you are Self Hosting a Web API application, then you will not have access to the HttpContext class. Typically, a Self Hosting application runs on its own process, that is, you are not hosting the application on the IIS. Therefore, the preferred method for getting the physical file path in a Web API application would be HostingEnvironment.MapPath().

Ref: HostingEnvironment.MapPath Method

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