Folder or Directory? Here’s Why Folders are Called Directories in Linux

Folder or Directory, are two common terms for Windows & Linux users. We keep on hearing these two terms on a regular basis. Is there any difference between these two terms? Maybe for some, these two terminologies could be baffling. We will analyze the same in this article, so let's get started.

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If you are using Windows then quite frequently you will come across the term folder however, when you switch over to Linux, you will come to know that folders are called a directory. Some of us could be under the impression that they mean the same while some may opine that they are different, but the fact of the matter is whether you call it a folder or Directory, it won't make much of a difference. Change of terminology in this instance indeed won't create any significant difference, let's be very clear about it.

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Yes, you may be wondering why it is that a folder is known as a directory in Linux? It's not a bad question, by any stretch of the imagination. There has to be a proper explanation for the same. We will offer you a satisfactory and convincing answer for the same, you got to stay tuned.

Why is a folder called a directory in Linux?

First up, we need to understand that a folder is basically meant to keep several files or items in it, on the other hand, a directory is used for the purpose of maintaining an index of items so that you can conveniently find which item is located where. So they both play a role that is similar to a great degree, not much of a difference if you are trying to segregate both in terms of their role or function.

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Having said that, we must still be mindful of the fact, that a directory does not really keep files in it. In fact, it is a "special file" that knows where ( the content ) of the file has been kept or stored in the memory by means of inode. So if you are looking for a difference in regards to a folder and a directory then the explanation offered herewith could be of some importance to you.

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What the aforesaid para, essentially highlight is that a directory keeps the index of items, not necessarily the items themselves. This needs to be underlined, as it explains a directory and its role in a simple way. Further, we must mention that the directories in Linux and UNIX don't keep the files inside it rather they keep the necessary information pertaining to the location of files.

The main advantage of a folder is that it enables you to keep your files in an organized way and separate. In the absence of folders everything including your documents, programs, etc will be located in the same place. Surely, this cannot be considered an ideal way of keeping things. It will make things more disorganized than you can ill afford.

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We must also categorically state here, that if you want you can have two different directories eg. a directory for pictures and another for documents. A directory is basically a location meant for storing files on your computer. You may very well think why the name folder was given?  To simplify things, you can visualize files as pages, and those file pages are stored in a folder ( envelope).

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Another point that must be brought to the notice of our readers is that when the operating system started using graphical elements, this is where perhaps some of the terms got changed accordingly and the directory/folder could be related to this.

Should You Call it a Folder or a Directory?

As stated above in this article, you can call it folder or directory however, it is advisable while working with or learning the Linux command line, we should use the term directory, the reason being it could be helpful for us

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Take for instance specific commands related to Linux like rmdir or mkdir etc . Out here, the term 'dir" reveals some connection to directories.

If you carefully observe you will see, many Linux commands and bash scripts use option - d for directories and -f for files.

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So the above points go on to reflect, why directory must be used in Linux. Whether you use the term directory or folder that will not have much of a bearing, to speak the truth. People will understand in any case what you are referring to. Therefore, in this regard, there is not much food for thought. It's your choice whether you call it a directory or folder.

Conclusion

We wanted to clarify the difference between folder and directory and other nitty-gritty associated with both. Certain sections of people may have a different perspective as far as this topic is concerned while few may agree with us. In case, you feel that more could be added to this article while describing the same then kindly put your remarks in the comment section. Your feedback always comes in handy in improving the standard of articles we publish on our website therefore,  we always encourage our readers to express their point of view pertaining to our articles.

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