CSC 105 MT1 Deck 1: File Systems & Directories

File

A named collection of data stored on a computer.

Example: week1_Notes.txt contains lecture notes.

Directory (Folder)

A named group of files and/or other directories used to organize information.

Example: A CSC105 folder containing lecture notes and assignments.

File System

A system that organizes files into directories, creating a logical structure for storing and locating information.

Example: The folder structure displayed in Finder on a Mac.

File System Hierarchy

Files and directories are organized hierarchically. File system → directories → subdirectories → files.

Directories can contain both files and other directories.

File Type

The kind of data stored in a file, which helps determine what operations or applications can be used with it.

Examples: Image, Excel spreadsheet, Python program.

File Extension

The ending of a filename that typically indicates its file type. Examples:

.jpg = image,

.xlsx = Excel spreadsheet,

.py = Python program.

Application Program

Software used to perform tasks such as opening, creating or editing files.

Examples: Microsoft Word opens .docx files; Excel opens .xlsx files.

Operating System (OS)

Software that manages computer resources, files and applications. Examples: macOS and Windows.

Parent Directory

A directory that contains another directory.

Example: If CSC105 contains a folder called Lectures, CSC105 is the parent directory.

Subdirectory

A directory located inside another directory.

Example: Lectures is a subdirectory of CSC105.

Directory Tree

A visual representation of the hierarchical arrangement of directories and files. It shows which directories contain other directories or files.

Path

The sequence of directories followed to reach a particular file or folder.

Example: Documents → CSC105 → Lectures.

Pathname

The address identifying the location of a file or directory within a file system.

Example: /Users/name/Documents/CSC105/notes.txt.

Absolute Path

A complete path that starts at the root (top) of the file system and identifies a file or directory's location.

Example: /Users/name/Documents/CSC105/notes.txt.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A visual interface that allows users to interact with a computer through icons, windows and menus rather than typing commands. Example: Finder on a Mac.

Create (File Operation)

Makes a new file or directory. Example: Creating a folder named CSC105.

Delete (File Operation)

Removes a file or directory.

Example: Deleting an old assignment.

Open (File Operation)

Accesses a file, usually through an application that can read its file type.

Example: Opening a PDF in Preview.

Close (File Operation)

Closes a file after viewing or editing it. Closing a file does not automatically mean deleting it.

Rename (File Operation)

Changes the name of a file or directory without changing its contents.

Example: lec1.pdf → Lecture1.pdf.

Copy (File Operation)

Creates a duplicate of a file or directory while preserving the original.

Example: Copying lecture notes into a backup folder.

Upload vs. Download

Upload = transfer a file from your computer to an online service.

Download = transfer a file from an online service to your computer.

Example: Uploading an assignment to PrairieLearn versus downloading lecture slides.

Drag and Drop

Using the mouse or trackpad to select an item, drag it to another location and release it. Commonly used to move files between folders.