Directory

Directory
An organizational unit, or container, used to organize folders and files into a hierarchical structure. Directories contain bookkeeping information about files that are, 'beneath' them in the hierarchy. Many graphical user interfaces use the term 'folder' instead of directory. The topmost directory in any file is called the root directory. A directory that is below another directory is called a subdirectory. A directory above a subdirectory is called the parent directory.

Three Examples of Directory Systems
[| Open Directory Project], also known as dmoz, is the largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web. It is constructed and maintained by a vast, global community of volunteer editors.

[|About.com] is a very popular subject directory, founded in 1996 with the simple premise that people are the best Guides to the Internet. Today, when you read an article on About.com, you are tapping into a powerful network of 500+ Guides.

[|Librarians' Internet Index] has the look and feel of a traditional subject directory and offers featured collections. These have ranged from The Grapes of Web (a companion to the 2002 California statewide Steinbeck reading program) to such topics as taxes, elections, and September 11. Note the inclusion of a search engine box at the top left hand corner.

- Information Added by Antoinette Tsang