Computer Science Notes

Computer Science

Terms

File

A computer file is a computer resource for recording data discretely in a computer storage device.
Usually organized in a file system, Files can be edited and transferred through the internet on that particular computer system.

Comes in multiple types depending on its purpose: - Picture - Written Message - Video - Program

And many more!

By using computer programs, a person can:

  • open
  • read
  • change
  • save
  • close

a computer file.

Computer files may be:

  • reopened
  • modified
  • copied

an arbitrary number of times


File System

Controls how data is stored and received.

Things are usually set up as…

User <---> Application <---> Operating System(OS) <---> Hardware

In a hierarchical file system (that is, one in which files and directories are organized in a manner that resembles a tree).

A directory contained inside another directory is called a subdirectory.

The terms parent and child are often used to describe the relationship between a subdirectory and the directory in which it is cataloged, the latter being the parent.

The top-most directory in such a filesystem, which does not have a parent of its own, is called the root directory.


Directory (dir)

In computing, a directory is a file system cataloging structure which contains references to other computer files, and possibly other directories.

On many computers, directories are known as folders, or drawers.