Replaced relative link with absolute links and remove locale

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -161,5 +161,5 @@ make ${project_name}_cov_xml //i.e. az_core_cov_xml or az_iot_cov_xml
 ```
 
 <!-- LINKS -->
-[vcpkg]: ./README.md#development-environment
+[vcpkg]: https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/README.md#development-environment
 [azure_sdk_for_c_cmake_options]: https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c#cmake-options

README.md

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ With this in mind, there are many tenets or principles that we follow in order t
 
 - Unlike our other language SDKs, many things (such as composing an HTTP pipeline of policies) are done in source code as opposed to runtime. This reduces code size, improves execution speed and locks-in behavior, reducing the chance of bugs at runtime.
 
-- We support microcontrollers with no operating system, microcontrollers with a real-time operating system (like [Azure RTOS](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/rtos/)), Linux, and Windows. Customers can implement custom platform layers to use our SDK on custom devices.  We provide some platform layers, and encourage the community to submit platform layers to increase the out-of-the-box supported platforms.
+- We support microcontrollers with no operating system, microcontrollers with a real-time operating system (like [Azure RTOS](https://azure.microsoft.com/services/rtos/)), Linux, and Windows. Customers can implement custom platform layers to use our SDK on custom devices.  We provide some platform layers, and encourage the community to submit platform layers to increase the out-of-the-box supported platforms.
 
 ## Table of Contents
 
@@ -63,8 +63,8 @@ To get help with the SDK:
 
 The Azure SDK for Embedded C repo has been structured around the service libraries it provides:
 
-1. [IoT](sdk/docs/iot) - Library to connect Embedded Devices to Azure IoT services
-2. [Storage](sdk/docs/storage) - Library to send blob files to Azure IoT services
+1. [IoT](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/docs/iot) - Library to connect Embedded Devices to Azure IoT services
+2. [Storage](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/docs/storage) - Library to send blob files to Azure IoT services
 
 ### Structure
 
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ The SDK can be conveniently consumed either via CMake or other non-CMake methods
 
         git checkout <tag_name>
 
-    For information about using a specific client library, see the README file located in the client library's folder which is a subdirectory under the [`/sdk/docs`](sdk/docs) folder.
+    For information about using a specific client library, see the README file located in the client library's folder which is a subdirectory under the [`/sdk/docs`](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/docs) folder.
 
 3. Ensure the SDK builds correctly.
 
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ The following compilation, preprocessor options will add or remove functionality
 
 See [cmake options](#cmake-options) to learn about how to build samples with HTTP implementation in order to be runnable.
 
-After building samples with HTTP stack, set the environment variables for credentials. The samples read these environment values to authenticate to Azure services. See [client secret here](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/azuread-dev/v1-oauth2-on-behalf-of-flow#service-to-service-access-token-request) for additional details on Azure authentication.
+After building samples with HTTP stack, set the environment variables for credentials. The samples read these environment values to authenticate to Azure services. See [client secret here](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/active-directory/azuread-dev/v1-oauth2-on-behalf-of-flow#service-to-service-access-token-request) for additional details on Azure authentication.
 
 ```bash
 # On linux, set env var like this. For Windows, do it from advanced settings/ env variables
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ files and start again.
 vcpkg is the easiest way to have dependencies installed. It downloads packages sources, headers and build libraries for whatever TRIPLET is set up (platform/arq).
 VCPKG maintains any installed package inside its own folder, allowing to have multiple vcpkg folder with different dependencies installed on each. This is also great because you don't have to install dependencies globally on your system.
 
-Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. The vcpkg repository is checked out at the commit in [vcpkg-commit.txt](eng/vcpkg-commit.txt). Azure SDK code in this version is known to work at that vcpkg ref.
+Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. The vcpkg repository is checked out at the commit in [vcpkg-commit.txt](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/eng/vcpkg-commit.txt). Azure SDK code in this version is known to work at that vcpkg ref.
 
 ```bash
 # Clone vcpkg:
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ Right after opening project, Visual Studio will read cmake files and generate ca
 VCPKG can be used to download packages sources, headers and build libraries for whatever TRIPLET is set up (platform/architecture).
 VCPKG maintains any installed package inside its own folder, allowing to have multiple vcpkg folder with different dependencies installed on each. This is also great because you don't have to install dependencies globally on your system.
 
-Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake.  Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. The vcpkg repository is checked out at the commit in [vcpkg-commit.txt](eng/vcpkg-commit.txt). Azure SDK code in this version is known to work at that vcpkg ref.
+Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake.  Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. The vcpkg repository is checked out at the commit in [vcpkg-commit.txt](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/eng/vcpkg-commit.txt). Azure SDK code in this version is known to work at that vcpkg ref.
 
 ```bash
 # Clone vcpkg:
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ First, ensure that you have the latest `gcc` installed:
     brew install gcc
     brew cleanup
 
-Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. The vcpkg repository is checked out at the commit in [vcpkg-commit.txt](eng/vcpkg-commit.txt). Azure SDK code in this version is known to work at that vcpkg ref.
+Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. Follow next steps to install VCPKG and have it linked to cmake. The vcpkg repository is checked out at the commit in [vcpkg-commit.txt](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/eng/vcpkg-commit.txt). Azure SDK code in this version is known to work at that vcpkg ref.
 
 ```bash
 # Clone vcpkg:
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ See the complete cmake file and how to link your own library [here](https://gith
 
 ## SDK Architecture
 
-At the heart of our SDK is, what we refer to as, [Azure Core](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/tree/master/sdk/docs/core). This code defines several data types and functions for use by the client libraries that build on top of us such as an [Azure Storage Blob](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/tree/master/sdk/docs/storage) client library and [Azure IoT client libraries](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/tree/master/sdk/docs/iot). Here are some of the features that customers use directly:
+At the heart of our SDK is, what we refer to as, [Azure Core](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/tree/master/sdk/docs/core). This code defines several data types and functions for use by the client libraries that build on top of us such as an [Azure Storage Blob](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/docs/storage) client library and [Azure IoT client libraries](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/docs/iot). Here are some of the features that customers use directly:
 
 - **Spans**: A span represents a byte buffer and is used for string manipulations, HTTP requests/responses, reading/writing JSON payloads. It allows us to return a substring within a larger string without any memory allocations. See the [Working With Spans](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/tree/master/sdk/docs/core#working-with-spans) section of the `Azure Core` README for more information.
 
@@ -472,7 +472,7 @@ In addition to the above features, `Azure Core` provides features available to c
 
 ## Contributing
 
-For details on contributing to this repository, see the [contributing guide](CONTRIBUTING.md).
+For details on contributing to this repository, see the [contributing guide](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md).
 
 This project welcomes contributions and suggestions. Most contributions require you to agree to a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) declaring that you have the right to, and actually do, grant us the rights to use your contribution. For details, visit [https://cla.microsoft.com](https://cla.microsoft.com).
 
@@ -487,8 +487,8 @@ For more information see the [Code of Conduct FAQ](https://opensource.microsoft.
 Many people all over the world have helped make this project better.  You'll want to check out:
 
 - [What are some good first issues for new contributors to the repo?](https://github.com/azure/azure-sdk-for-c/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22up+for+grabs%22)
-- [How to build and test your change](./CONTRIBUTING.md#developer-guide)
-- [How you can make a change happen!](./CONTRIBUTING.md#pull-requests)
+- [How to build and test your change](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md#developer-guide)
+- [How you can make a change happen!](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md#pull-requests)
 
 ### Community
 

eng/pipelines/templates/jobs/archetype-sdk-client.yml

@@ -385,6 +385,7 @@ jobs:
     - template: /eng/common/pipelines/templates/steps/verify-links.yml
       parameters:
         Directory: ''
+        CheckLinkGuidance: $true
 
     # Generate release-info
     - pwsh: >-
@@ -416,14 +417,6 @@ jobs:
         artifactName: release-info
         path: $(Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory)/release-info
 
-    # Update links
-    - template: /eng/common/pipelines/templates/steps/replace-relative-links.yml
-      parameters:
-        TargetFolder: .
-        RootFolder: .
-        BuildSHA: $(Build.SourceVersion)
-        RepoId: 'Azure/azure-sdk-for-c'
-
     # Generate Documentation
     - pwsh: |
         $setupFile="doxygen-1.8.20-setup.exe";

sdk/docs/core/README.md

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Many SDK functions return an `az_result` as defined in [inc/az_result.h](https:/
 
 ### Working with Spans
 
-An `az_span` is a small data structure (defined in our [az_span.h](../../../sdk/inc/azure/core/az_span.h) file) wrapping a byte buffer. Specifically, an `az_span` instance contains:
+An `az_span` is a small data structure (defined in our [az_span.h](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/inc/azure/core/az_span.h) file) wrapping a byte buffer. Specifically, an `az_span` instance contains:
 
 - a byte pointer
 - an integer size
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ There are many functions to manipulate `az_span` instances. You can slice (subse
 
 ### Strings
 
-A string is a span of UTF-8 characters. It's not a zero-terminated string. Defined in [inc/az_span.h](../../../sdk/inc/azure/core/az_span.h).
+A string is a span of UTF-8 characters. It's not a zero-terminated string. Defined in [inc/az_span.h](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/inc/azure/core/az_span.h).
 
 ```c
 az_span hello_world = AZ_SPAN_FROM_STR("Hello world!");
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ If you'd like to contribute to this library, please read the [contributing guide
 Azure SDK for Embedded C is licensed under the [MIT][azure_sdk_for_c_license] license.
 
 <!-- LINKS -->
-[azure_sdk_for_c_contributing]: ../../../CONTRIBUTING.md
+[azure_sdk_for_c_contributing]: https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md
 [azure_sdk_for_c_license]: https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/LICENSE
 [azure_sdk_for_c_contributing_developer_guide]: ../../../CONTRIBUTING.md#developer-guide
 [azure_sdk_for_c_contributing_pull_requests]: ../../../CONTRIBUTING.md#pull-requests

sdk/docs/iot/README.md

@@ -37,15 +37,15 @@ From a functional perspective, this means that the user's application code (not
 
 A full list of features can be found in the doxygen docs listed below in [Docs](#docs).
 
-**Note**: this therefore requires a different programming model as compared to the earlier version of the C SDK ([found here](https://github.com/Azure/azure-iot-sdk-c)). To better understand the responsibilities of the user application code and the SDK, please take a look at the [State Machine diagram](mqtt_state_machine.md) that explains the high-level architecture, SDK components, and a clear view of SDK x Application responsibilities.
+**Note**: this therefore requires a different programming model as compared to the earlier version of the C SDK ([found here](https://github.com/Azure/azure-iot-sdk-c)). To better understand the responsibilities of the user application code and the SDK, please take a look at the [State Machine diagram](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/docs/iot/mqtt_state_machine.md) that explains the high-level architecture, SDK components, and a clear view of SDK x Application responsibilities.
 
 ### Docs
 
 For API documentation, please see the doxygen generated docs [here][azure_sdk_for_c_doxygen_docs]. You can find the IoT specific docs by navigating to the **Files -> File List** section near the top and choosing any of the header files prefixed with `az_iot_`.
 
 ### Build
 
-The Azure IoT library is compiled following the same steps listed on the root [README](../../../README.md) documentation, under ["Getting Started Using the SDK"](../../../README.md#getting-started-using-the-sdk).
+The Azure IoT library is compiled following the same steps listed on the root [README](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/README.md) documentation, under ["Getting Started Using the SDK"](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/README.md#getting-started-using-the-sdk).
 
 The library targets made available via CMake are the following:
 
@@ -54,15 +54,15 @@ The library targets made available via CMake are the following:
 
 ### Samples
 
-[This page](../../../sdk/samples/iot/README.md) explains samples for the Azure Embedded C SDK IoT Hub Client and the Provisioning Clients and how to use them.
+[This page](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/samples/iot/README.md) explains samples for the Azure Embedded C SDK IoT Hub Client and the Provisioning Clients and how to use them.
 
  For step-by-step guides starting from scratch, you may refer to these documents:
 
-- Linux: [How to Setup and Run Azure SDK for Embedded C IoT Hub Samples on Linux](../../../sdk/samples/iot/docs/how_to_iot_hub_samples_linux.md)
+- Linux: [How to Setup and Run Azure SDK for Embedded C IoT Hub Samples on Linux](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/samples/iot/docs/how_to_iot_hub_samples_linux.md)
 
-- Windows: [How to Setup and Run Azure SDK for Embedded C IoT Hub Samples on Microsoft Windows](../../../sdk/samples/iot/docs/how_to_iot_hub_samples_windows.md).
+- Windows: [How to Setup and Run Azure SDK for Embedded C IoT Hub Samples on Microsoft Windows](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/samples/iot/docs/how_to_iot_hub_samples_windows.md).
 
-- ESP8266: [How to Setup and Run Azure SDK for Embedded C IoT Hub Client on Esp8266 NodeMCU](../../../sdk/samples/iot/docs/how_to_iot_hub_esp8266_nodemcu.md)
+- ESP8266: [How to Setup and Run Azure SDK for Embedded C IoT Hub Client on Esp8266 NodeMCU](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/samples/iot/docs/how_to_iot_hub_esp8266_nodemcu.md)
 
   **Important Note on Linux and Windows Samples**: While Windows and Linux devices are not likely to be considered as constrained ones, these samples were created to make it simpler to test the Azure SDK for Embedded C libraries, debug and step through the code to learn about it, even without a real device. We understand not everyone will have a real device to test and - sometimes - these devices won't have debugging capabilities. 
 
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ Feature | Azure SDK for Embedded C | Description
  [DPS - Device Provisioning Service](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/iot-dps/) | √ | This SDK supports connecting your device to the Device Provisioning Service via, for example, [individual enrollment](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/iot-dps/concepts-service#enrollment) using an [X.509 leaf certificate](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/iot-dps/concepts-security#leaf-certificate).  
  Protocol | MQTT | The Azure SDK for Embedded C supports only MQTT.  
  Retry Policies | √* | The Azure SDK for Embedded C provides guidelines for retries, but actual retries should be handled by the application.
- [IoT Plug and Play](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/iot-pnp/overview-iot-plug-and-play) | √ | IoT Plug and Play Preview enables solution developers to integrate devices with their solutions without writing any embedded code.
+ [IoT Plug and Play](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/iot-pnp/overview-iot-plug-and-play) | √ | IoT Plug and Play Preview enables solution developers to integrate devices with their solutions without writing any embedded code.
 
 ## Examples
 
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ If you'd like to contribute to this library, please read the [contributing guide
 Azure SDK for Embedded C is licensed under the [MIT][azure_sdk_for_c_license] license.
 
 <!-- LINKS -->
-[azure_sdk_for_c_contributing]: ../../../CONTRIBUTING.md
+[azure_sdk_for_c_contributing]: https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md
 [azure_sdk_for_c_doxygen_docs]: https://azure.github.io/azure-sdk-for-c
 [azure_sdk_for_c_doxygen_hub_docs]: https://azuresdkdocs.blob.core.windows.net/$web/c/docs/1.0.0-preview.2/az__iot__hub__client_8h.html
 [azure_sdk_for_c_doxygen_provisioning_docs]: https://azuresdkdocs.blob.core.windows.net/$web/c/docs/1.0.0-preview.2/az__iot__provisioning__client_8h.html

sdk/docs/iot/hub.md

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Official Embedded C client for Azure IoT Hub.
 
 ## Getting Started
 
-- **Docs**: If you're new to the Azure SDK for Embedded C take a look at the [State Machine diagram](./mqtt_state_machine.md#iot-hub) that explains the high-level architecture, SDK components, and a clear view of SDK x Application responsibilities.
+- **Docs**: If you're new to the Azure SDK for Embedded C take a look at the [State Machine diagram](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/docs/iot/mqtt_state_machine.md#iot-hub) that explains the high-level architecture, SDK components, and a clear view of SDK x Application responsibilities.
 - **Samples**: [This page](https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/sdk/samples/iot/) explains samples for the Azure SDK for Embedded C and how to use them.
 
 ## Need Help?
@@ -22,5 +22,5 @@ If you'd like to contribute to this library, please read the [contributing guide
 Azure SDK for Embedded C is licensed under the [MIT][azure_sdk_for_c_license] license.
 
 <!-- LINKS -->
-[azure_sdk_for_c_contributing]: ../../../CONTRIBUTING.md
+[azure_sdk_for_c_contributing]: https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md
 [azure_sdk_for_c_license]: https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-c/blob/master/LICENSE