Difference between file and folder

There are various confusing technical terms in a computer. Similarly, to tell the difference between a file and a folder would be confusing sometimes. So, in this article, we will discuss the comparison between both terms along with their separate discussion.

This article will also be helpful for the students because sometimes questions related to the difference between file and folder can be seen in the examinations of students with a technical background. So, without any delay, let's start the topic.

File

A file is a container in a computer system that stores data, information, settings, or commands that are to be used with computer programs.

Several types of files are available, such as directory files, data files, text files, binary and graphic files, and these several kinds of files contain different types of information. Files are stored on hard drives, optical drives, discs, or other storage devices in the computer system. It can also be stored in a folder that is stored on the drives.

A filename consists of a file extension that is also called a suffix. The file extension contains two to four characters that follow the complete filename, and it helps to recognize the file format, type of file, and the attributes related to the file.

Files can be downloaded from the internet or can be transferred across the network. The type of file can be determined by reading the extension of the file or seeing the file's icon.

Folder

A folder is also known as directory. In UNIX and DOS, folders are known as directories.

It is a storage space used for storing files, shortcuts, or other folders on a computer. It can have one or more files that can be of any type. It can also have shortcuts to programs.

It can be opened by double-clicking on it. They are designed to organize the files. For instance, we can store audio files in the "Music" folder, digital photos in the "Pictures" folder, and word processing documents in the "Documents" folder. Folder in a folder is called a subfolder.

File v/s folder

Now, let's see the difference between file and folder. We are comparing both terms on the basis of some characteristics.

S.no.	Based on	File	Folder
1.	Basic	File is a collection of related data or information. Files are stored on hard drives, optical drives, discs, or other storage devices in the computer system.	It is a storage space used for storing files, shortcuts, or other folders on a computer. It is a way to organize files into groups and placed them under a common heading.
2.	Container	It does not contain another file or folder in it. It works as a container to store data.	It contains any number of files and folders in it. It works as a container to store related files or folders.
3.	Size	The file has a memory consumption and actual size.	A folder does not have its own size. The size of the folder is derived from the files it includes.
4.	Extension	Files may or may not have extensions. They can have extensions to represent the program's type they belong to.	Folders do not have any extensions.
5.	Operations	The operations that can be performed on files are open, print, move, rename, save, modify, email, etc.	The operations that can be performed on folders are delete, share, rename, move, etc.
6.	Share	Files cannot be shared on the network by themselves.	They can be shared on the network.