Directory Tree Definition (computing)

The directory tree is a way of displaying all the directories on a storage unit (such as a hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk, etc.) in the form of a tree structure (or tree diagram).

The root of the tree is usually the root directory, which is broken down into nodes, which are the subdirectories. If you want to include the leaves of the tree, these would be the files (see the image below).

In the file system, each directory is contained in another, being the main or hierarchical head the so-called root directory.

directory tree and its files

In the example of the image below you can see the Windows Explorer. There you can see the directory tree of the hard disk with the root «Local disk C:».

Windows Explorer displays the hierarchy of directories and folders in the form of a tree structure.

related terminology

structure or tree diagram

directory

Binder

File, Archive

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