Classnotes | UNIX01 | RecentChanges | Preferences The tree-like structure for UNIX file systems starts at what is known as the "root" level. Root is the parent directory underwhich all other files and directories are found. It is specified by "/" and is called the root directory.
As we mentionned before, under UNIX we have a "file abstraction" for most things. Thus, a directory is really just a special kind of file that can contain other files and directories. A subdirectory is considered a "child" of the "parent" directory.
The UNIX directory tree structure is a very organized one, which, if you are coming from the rather "loose" world of Windows or Mac OS (pre-X) you might find daunting. However, do not dismay, once you have explored this directory structure a bit and worked with it for a while, you will find that it is very logical.
