Difference Between File and Folder

The main difference between file and folder is that a file stores data while a folder stores files and folders. Moreover, a file has an extension while a folder doesn’t.

A file and folder are two terms used in computing. A file is a container to store information. There are different types of files such as text files, data files, images, audio files, and video files. Each of these file store different type of information. On the other hand, a folder is a directory. It stores related files and folders. Folder helps to organize the files in the system.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a File
     – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is a Folder
     – Definition, Features, Uses
3. What is the Difference Between File and Folder
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Computer, File, Folder

What is a File

A file consists of a collection of data. The operating system can store files in hard drives, optical drives or other storage devices. The user can perform operations such as open, read, modify and close on files.

Figure 2: Word File

There are various types of files. An image from the camera or the phone copied to the computer can be of a JPG or PNG format. There are also mp3, mp4 format video files. There are document files created in word processing software such as MS Word. The text documents created with Notepad are txt files. Those files hold plain text information.

Furthermore, some files are compressed into folders but they are still considered as files. One example is ZIP file. It is a folder with many related files and folders but it is considered as a single file. It is also possible to convert a file from one format to another. For example, a doc format file can be converted into a pdf file. Overall, all the above types of files help to store information at one particular location.

What is a Folder

A folder stores files and folders. It is also called a directory. If all the files are in the same place, it will be difficult to identify a specific file. Therefore, folders help to arrange files.  For example, the user can store written documents in one folder and store audio files in another folder. In other words, folders help to organize and separate files. The user can perform operations such as create, copy, and delete folders.

Figure 1: Folder

A folder can consist of multiple files of any format. Furthermore, it can store other folders with their own files.

Difference Between File and Folder

Definition

A file is a computer resource for recording data discretely in a computer storage device. A folder is a directory that contains other files and folders.

Functionality

A file works as a container to store data. On the other hand, a folder works as a container to store related files and folders.

Extension

A file has an extension. The extension can be three to four characters long.  A folder does not have an extension.

Operations

The user can create, read, modify, delete, and rename files. Furthermore, he can print, email the content of a file. On the other hand, the user can create, rename, delete and copy a folder.

Copying

The user can copy data from one file to another. The user can copy one folder to another folder. 

Conclusion

There are various types of computer files. These files can store text, images, computer programs, video, audio and a variety of other data depending on their file type. The difference between file and folder is that a file stores data while a folder stores files and folders.

Reference:

1. “What Is a Folder?” Computer Hope, 21 May 2018, Available here.
2. Fisher, Tim. “What Exactly Is a Computer File?” Lifewire, Available here.
3. “Computer File.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 June 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Word 2013 file icon” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “2741806” By Logo: MicrosoftThis work: Freddy2001 – This file was derived from: Word 2013 Icon.PNG (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia