Vocabulary

Consistenly using the same words to refer to the same concepts avoids confusion. See below word choice recommendations for common computing concepts.

Directories and Folders

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For containers of files and other containers, use folder. Avoid dir or directory.

If a folder A contains a folder B:

  • A is the containing folder of B. Avoid parent folder.

  • B is a subfolder of A. Avoid child folder or sub-folder.

A folder that does not have a containing folder is known as the root folder. Avoid using simply root, except for contexts where the term is already accompanied by a folder icon.