Difference Between File and Folder: Explained

Can you guess what’s the most used application on a computer? No, it’s not Chrome or Edge. It’s the File Explorer application. We all use this application to store information or data frequently in our operating system (OS). The two main components of a File Explorer are files and folders. Being the most popular and fundamental unit of storage, both can store and organise data in different formats along with data and timing. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what exactly are file and folders, their properties, and the Differences Between File and Folder in greater depth.   

Table of Contents 

1) What are Files?  

2) What is a Folder?  

3) Differences Between File and Folder  

    a) Types  

    b) Tasks  

    c) Properties  

    d) Operations  

    e) Organisation  

    f) Extension   

   g) Container  

   h) Share  

4) Conclusion  

What are Files?  

Files are digital containers that store data on a computer or any storage device. They can hold various types of information, such as text, images, audio, video, or executable programs. Each file is identified by a unique name and an extension that indicates its format (e.g., .txt for text files, .jpg for images). Files are essential for organising and managing data, allowing users to save, retrieve, and share information effectively.
 

What is a Folder?  

A folder, also known as a directory, is a virtual container used to organise and manage files on a computer or storage device. Folders help users structure their data by grouping related files together, making it easier to locate, access, and manage information. Folders can contain files as well as other subfolders, creating a hierarchical structure that allows for efficient organisation of large amounts of data. 

For example, you might have a folder named "Work" that contains documents, spreadsheets, and presentations related to your job. Within the "Work" folder, you could have subfolders like "Projects" and "Reports" to further categorize the files.   

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Differences Between File and Folder  

Files and folders can be distinguished based on their tasks and types. Let’s explore some of the key Difference Between File and Folder here:   

1) Types  

A file can have different types as per the function. The program can decrypt the data stored in the file using their file type. For instance, you can access an audio file through a Music sub-folder.   

On the other hand, a folder has a fixed type. However, it can be shifted or renamed to different folders. You can even delete or re-create folders as per your need.   

2) Tasks  

Files and folders use traditional ways of storing data or information, just like physical documents. The document goes into a folder inside a filing cabinet. However, placing it in the right categories is what matters the most. This makes it easy to access the document later. The filing cabinet can be a computer hard drive.   

3) Properties or Attributes  

A file can have the following properties:   

a) File Name: A file needs a name to be distinguished from other files  

b) File Extension: Extension defines the file type such as text, document, audio file, video file, or ZIP file  

c) Data and Time: Date and time automatically get created when a file is saved   

d) Length: A file length can be shown in terms of total byte   

e) File Protection Attributes: Each file has a protection attribute like read-only, hidden or archive   

A folder can have the following properties:   

a) Preview: A preview allows you to show a folder’s thumbnail   

b) Size: Size represents the total size of all the files incorporated inside the folder   

c) Total Files: This represents all the files a folder has in it  

d) Created: When a folder gets created, the date and time automatically gets allotted to it  

e) Created By: It shows the user who created this folder  

f) Edited: It shows the time and date when the folder was modified recently   

g) Modified By: It reveals the first and last of the user who made the last changes  

h) Folder Type: This property shows the folder type like database, secure, or standard   

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4) Operations  

A file follows different procedures:  

a) Read: This operation reads the data from the file  

b) Write: It permits the user to add new information to an existing file  

c) Rename: It helps you change the name of a file  

d) Copy: The copy operation makes an extra copy of the original file   

e) Sort: It arranges the contents of the file in a definite order  

f) Move: This operation can shift a file from one location to another  

g) Delete: This command helps in removing the file from a folder  

h) Modify: Modify changes to the file content   

A folder follows different procedures:  

a) Create Folder: Using this, a new folder can be created  

b) Duplicate Folder: The existing folder can be duplicated using this operation  

c) Move Folder: Use the move command to change the location of the folder  

d) Remove Folder: Use it to remove the current folder  

e) Clear Folder: Clear folder empties all the files holding it   

5) Organisation  

Since data storage and retrieval are crucial, proper organisation is needed. A file and folder can be organised in the following ways:  

a) Serial File Organisation: As the name says, it is used to organise files in chronological order as per the date.  

b) Sequential File Organisation: This structure stores files in a specified order. The field can either be non-key or key field.  

c) Index File Sequential Organisation: In this, files are organised as per the search key. 

d) Random File Organisation: This property makes the retrieval of files easier by using the search key.  

6) Extension   

A file can have an extension based on the program it belongs to—for example, .jpg or .jpeg for image files, .txt for text files, etc.  

Since a folder doesn’t have an actual size, they don’t come with an extension. They only have the size of everything enclosed in it.   

7) Container  

A file container format, also termed as a wrapper is a format that permits multiple data streams to be implanted in a single file. It has a metadata that makes the identification of file easier.  

A folder container format, also termed as a directory holds distinct unit of data within a system. It makes separation of the content of your applications into categories.   

8) Share  

Files cannot be shared over a network. You need a USB drive or an external hard disk to share it. Just plug it into your pen drive and copy the file. Please insert it into another computer and drag and drop the file.  

To share a folder, you can use the Share feature. You just need to specify the person’s email address with whom you would like to share the folder.   

Conclusion  

In conclusion, both files and folders are important when it comes to storage on your system. The file holds necessary data or information inside a folder in a chronological order. The folder can hold both files and sub-folders so that they can be accessed quickly when needed. The purpose of both might look similar however they both come with their distinctive properties. We hope, now you clearly understand the Difference Between File and Folder.   

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