CS Chapter 11: File Systems & Directories

File

A named collection or related data.

File System

A medium used for saving and managing data in the computer system.

Directory

A container that is used to organize files and folders in a hierarchical manner.

Text File

The one which data is stored in the ASCII characters, and is normally used for storing a stream of characters.

Binary File

The one which data is stored in the file in the same way as it is stored in the main memory for processing.

File Type

The kind of information contained in a document.

File Extension

These are used to indicate the type of file and to determine which programs should be used to open the file.

Sequential File Access

When information in the file is processed in order, one record after another.

Direct File Access

When information is allowed in the file is able to be rapid read, and written in fixed-length records in any order.

Directory Tree

The hierarchy structure of directories.

Root Directory

The directory at the highest level of the directory tree.

Working Directory

The directory that changes as you move in the file.

Path

A series of directories through with you must go through to find the file.

Absolute Path

A path that begins that the root and specifies each step down the tree until it reaches its destination

Relative Path

A path that specifies the location of a file or directory from the root directory.

Relative Path

A path that specifies the location of a file or directory in relation to the current working directory.

Disk Scheduling

A technique that the operating system uses to determine which request to tend to first.