The Difference Between Files and Folders on a Computer

A file is the name given to data sets where information is stored on a computer.

If we need to give a broader example of what a file is, we can liken a file to a physical notebook.

A folder is a structure that allows files to be categorized and stored in an organized way.

When we exemplify a folder in real life, you can think of them like the shelves of a library where books are kept.

While the shelves in a library represent the folder, the books on those shelves represent the files.

It is mandatory to name files on a computer, and there are certain rules we must follow when giving these names.

A file name consists of 3 parts.

Let us explain the 3 parts of the file name as seen here in "urhoba.txt".

The part "urhoba" is the special name given by the user to the file.

The "." between "urhoba" and "txt" acts as a delimiter that separates the file's type/extension from the name.

The part "txt" is the type name that indicates the file's type.

There are rules to follow when naming a file, meaning there are symbols you cannot use when giving a file a name.

You cannot use symbols like "<", ">", ":", "?", "|", "*", "/", "\", " " " when naming a file.
When naming a file, if there is already a file with that name in the same folder, you cannot give your file the same name. (They can exist in the same folder if their types are different.)

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