Basic directory structure for different operating systems

Each OS may have additional specific directories for system files, configuration, and logs.

Understanding these structures helps maintain an organized file system and efficient data access...

Below is the summary for the most popular OSs.

Windows

System Directory - The System Directory contains critical system files and libraries necessary for the proper functioning of the Windows operating system.

For 32-bit systems, the System Directory is typically located at C:\Windows\System32.

For 64-bit systems:

The System Directory for 64-bit libraries remains at C:\Windows\System32.

The System Directory for 32-bit libraries is located at C:\Windows\SysWOW64

The User (Profile) Directory stores personalized settings and files specific to each user account on the system. It contains user-specific data such as documents, desktop files, downloads, and application settings.

C:\Users\username - “username” represents the name of the user account.

Program Files Directory - The Program Files Directory is where applications and programs are installed by default.

C:\Program Files: Stores 64-bit applications and programs.

C:\Program Files (x86): Stores 32-bit applications on 64-bit systems.

Windows Directory - Contains system files and resources required by the Windows OS. It includes important files such as system configuration files, device drivers, and DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries).

Unix/Linux Directory Structure - Unix and Linux systems follow a well-defined directory structure. Some key directories:

/bin: Contains essential system binaries (commands) accessible to all users.

/etc: Stores system configuration files.

/home: Each user has a subdirectory here for their personal files.

/lib and /lib64: Libraries needed by system binaries.

/usr: User-related programs and data (e.g., /usr/bin, /usr/share).

/var: Variable data (logs, spool files, etc.).

/tmp: Temporary files (cleared on reboot).

/root: Home directory for the root user.

/opt: Optional software packages.

/srv: Data for services provided by the system.

/mnt and /media: Mount points for external devices.

/dev: Device files.

/proc: Virtual filesystem for process information.

/sys: Kernel parameters and information.

macOS (Darwin) Directory Structure - macOS shares similarities with Unix/Linux:

/bin, /etc, /usr, /var, /tmp, /dev, /proc, and /sys exist.

/Applications: Contains user-installed applications.

/Library: System-wide libraries and resources.

/System: Core system files.

/Users: User home directories.

/Volumes: Mount points for external drives.

Android Directory Structure - Based on Linux:

/system: Core system files.

/data: User data (apps, settings, etc.).

/sdcard (or /storage/emulated/0): External storage (user-accessible).

/mnt: Mount points for external storage.

/cache: Temporary cache files.

/proc and /sys: Similar to Linux.

iOS (iPhone/iPad) is more restricted. Apps are sandboxed, limiting direct access to the file system. Key directories include:

/Applications: System apps.

/var/mobile: User data.

/private/var: System data.

/private/tmp: Temporary files.