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Hidden file and hidden directory
open-in-new
<p>In <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a>, a hidden file or hidden directory is a <a href="/facts/File_system/FdPm90uc">file system</a> object (such as a <a href="/facts/Computer_file/FjFH3Ufm">file</a> or <a href="/facts/Directory_(computing)/VLtLcEXY">directory</a>) that is excluded from a directory content report unless explicitly requested. The value of hiding files is generally to avoid showing the <a href="/facts/Computer_user/zQRzG0KG">user</a> files that are not likely to be of interest to them. The feature is not a <a href="/facts/Computer_security/7E5dIy7G">security</a> mechanism because access is not restricted; the user can request that normally-hidden files be displayed. Hiding is a feature of the <a href="/facts/Computer_program/e38jH9N9">programs</a> that display file system objects; not inherently with either the operating or file systems. </p>