15.1 Files and Folders

Definition (from the internet)

“A file is a common storage unit in a computer, and all programs and data are “written” into a file

and “read” from a file. A folder holds one or more files, and a folder can be empty until it is filled. A

folder can contain other folders (sub folders). Folders provide a method for organising files much

like a manilla file folder contains paper documents in a file cabinet. In fact, files that contain text

are often called documents”.

“Folders are also called "directories," and they are created on the hard drive (HD) or solid state

drive (SSD) when the operating system and applications are installed. Files are always stored in

folders. In fact, even the computer desktop is a folder; a special kind of folder that displays its

contents across the entire screen”.

File Extensions

A file extension or suffix, is the bit at the end of a file name preceded by a dot or period. For

example; My_Photo.JPEG, would be a JPEG image (photograph). The .JPEG extension tells the

computer which application (App) or program to use when opening the file. With a .JPEG

extension the computer would look for an image editor or viewer to open the file. With a .TXT

extension, signifying a text file, the computer would use a text editor.

When writing file extensions to a file name they are usually written in lower case letters such as

.jpeg or .txt.

Blender files have a .blend extension which tells the computer to open the file in the Blender

program.

The Directory Path

Blender Logo

File Name

Figure 15.1

Windows 10 File Explorer

Figure 15.1 show a Blender file saved in the C: Directory (Hard Drive) in a Folder named

A_Blender_Files. The Blender file is named My_New_File. Blender file names usually display

with the Blender logo preceding the file name but the .blend file extension does not always

display.

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