Directory
A container for files and other directories. “Folder” means the same thing.
Not the same as a path
A directory is the container. A path is the route to it — you can name the same directory by many paths and still be talking about one folder.
Where it bites
Deleting a directory takes everything inside it, at every depth, with no confirmation. This is the one command where reading the line twice before pressing Enter is a real habit rather than advice.
Covered in these lessons
Related terms
Where this comes up
Also written as directory, folder. Checked 2026-08-06.