Folder hierarchy and paths in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

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What is a folder hierarchy?

A folder hierarchy is like a family tree for your computer files. It shows how folders are organized inside other folders, starting from a main folder called the root.

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What is an absolute path?

An absolute path is the full address to a file or folder, starting from the root folder. It tells exactly where to find the file anywhere on the computer.

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What is a relative path?

A relative path tells how to find a file or folder starting from the current folder you are in, not from the root. It's like giving directions from where you stand.

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Why do computers use folder hierarchies?

Computers use folder hierarchies to keep files organized and easy to find, just like how you keep your books on different shelves and sections in a library.

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What symbol is used to separate folders in a path on Windows and on Unix/Linux?

On Windows, folders in a path are separated by a backslash \ while on Unix/Linux and Mac, they use a forward slash /.

Which of these is an example of an absolute path on Windows?

A ..\file.txt

B Documents\file.txt

C file.txt

D C:\Users\Alice\Documents\file.txt

An absolute path starts from the root drive like C:\ and shows the full location.

What does a relative path depend on?

A The root folder

B The size of the file

C The current folder you are in

D The type of file

Relative paths give directions starting from your current folder location.

In a folder hierarchy, what is the top folder called?

A Leaf

B Root

C Branch

D Node

The root is the top folder from which all other folders branch out.

Which symbol is used to go up one folder level in a relative path?

A ..

B /

C ~

D \

Two dots .. mean go up one folder in the hierarchy.

Why is folder hierarchy important?

A To organize files so they are easy to find

B To make files bigger

C To change file colors

D To delete files automatically

Folder hierarchy helps keep files organized and easy to locate.

Explain what a folder hierarchy is and why it is useful.

Think about how you organize things at home or school.

Describe the difference between an absolute path and a relative path with examples.

Consider how you give directions from a fixed point versus from where you are standing.