Re: "Folder" or "directory"? Standardization?

[Åsmund Skjæveland <aasmunds fys uio no>]

Sorry, pressed the wrong key. Trying again.

> > Some packages use the word "folder", some the word "directory", and some
> > use both. Is there an official GNOME name for this type of file, or is
> > it up to the developers? If there is no such standard name, one should
> 
> Please consult
> http://developer.gnome.org/documents/style-guide/x10997.html on the use of
> both words.

I quote:

directory 
        
        Definition: 
        
        A special type of file that enables you to organize other files
        into a hierarchical structure. Only use the term directory when
        you make specific references to the structure of the file
        system. 
        
        Example: 
        
        The New Folder menu item creates a new folder on your desktop.
        This folder is located in the directory /.nautilus/desktop

folder 
        
        Definition: 
        
        A representation of a directory in a graphical application. Use
        the term folder when you document applications that use folder
        icons to represent directories. 

        Example: 
        
        To create a folder, choose File->New Folder. 


I can't see why one should use different terms here. It's just
confusing. Particularly the phrase "This folder is located in the
directory..." illustrates this. Why are my files in directories when I
use command-line tools or a file manager that doesn't use folder icons,
but in folders when I use the standard views in Nautilus? If my folder
is in a directory, why don't I see a folder when I use "ls"? What if I
change my icons? I still think it'd be better to choose one word over
the other. 

        
-- 
Åsmund Skjæveland <aasmunds@fys.uio.no>