 from user-space is simply through its filename (instead of its inode).  For example, rm filename will not delete the file itself, but only a link to the file. There can be many links to a file, but when they are all removed, the kernel considers that file's memory space free to be reallocated. This free space is commonly considered a security risk (due to the existence of file recovery software). Any secure-deletion program uses kernel-space (system) functions to wipe the file's data.

Identifying and organizing

In modern computer systems, files are typically accessed using names (filenames).  In some operating systems, the name is associated with the file itself. In others, the file is anonymous, and is pointed to by links that have names. In the latter case, a user can identify the name of the link with the file itself, but this is a false analogue, especially where there exists more than one link to the same file.

Files (or links to files) can be located in directories. However, more generally, a directory can contain either a list of files or a list of links to files.  Within this definition, it is of paramount importance that the term "file" includes directories.  This permits the existence of directory hierarchies, i.e., directories containing sub-directories.  A name that refers to a file within a directory must be typically unique. In other words, there must be no identical names within a directory.  However, in some operating systems, a name may include a specification of type that means a directory can contain an identical name for more than one type of object such as a directory and a file.

In environments in which a file is named, a file's name and the path to the file's directory must uniquely identify it among all other files in the computer system—no two files can have the same name and path.  Where a file is anonymous, named references to it will exist within a namespace.  In most cases, any name within the namespace will refer to exactly zero or one file.  However, any file may be represented within any namespace by zero, one or more names.

Any string of characters may be a well-formed name for a file or a link depending upon the context of application. Whether or not a name is well-formed depends on the type of computer system being used. Early computers permitted only a few letters or digits in the name of a file
from user - space is simply through its filename (instead of its inode).   For case, rm filename will not erase the file itself, but only a link to the file. There can be many links to a file, but when they are wholly removed, the kernel considers that file's memory space complimentary to be reallocated. This free outer space is commonly considered a security system risk (due to the existence of file recovery software). Any secure - omission program uses kernel - quad (system) functions to wipe the file's datum. 

 Identifying and organizing 

 In modern calculator systems, files are typically accessed using names (filename).   In some operating systems, the name is consort with the file itself. In others, the file is anonymous, and is pointed to by links that have name. In the latter case, a user can identify the name of the link with the file itself, but this is a false analogue, particularly where there exists more than one link to the same file. 

 Files (or links to files) can be located in directories. However, more generally, a directory can contain either a list of file or a list of links to file.   Within this definition, it is of overriding importance that the terminus " file " includes directories.   This allow the existence of directory hierarchies, i.e., directories containing bomber - directories.   A name that refers to a file within a directory must be typically unique. In other words, there must be no identical names within a directory.   However, in some operating system, a name may include a specification of type that means a directory can contain an identical name for more than one type of aim such as a directory and a file. 

 In environment in which a file is named, a file's name and the path to the file's directory must uniquely identify it among all other file in the computer system — no two files can take the same name and path.   Where a file is anonymous, named references to it will exist within a namespace.   In most case, any name within the namespace will consult to exactly zero or one file.   However, any file may be represented within any namespace by zero, one or more name calling. 

 Any string of character may be a well - formed name for a file or a connection depending upon the context of lotion. Whether or not a name is well - formed depends on the type of calculator system being used. Early computers permitted only a few letters or digits in the name of a file
 frlm user-space is simply tmrough its filencne (insvead of its inoae).  For example, rm filename xill not eelete the file itself, but only a link ro tie file. There cai be mann linid to e file, but when they are dll removed, tha yexnel considers that file's memory spase free tl be reallocatgd. Thps fres space is commonly considered a sscurity risk (due to yhe existence of file recogery software). Any secuge-deletion kdogwqm uses kerndl-space (system) functiohs to wipe the file's data.

Identiwying and organuzung

Lt modern conputeg systems, filcx are dypicalky accessed uslng nemes (filenames).  In some o'erating systems, the name is dsaociated with the fule ijself. In urhefs, uhe fjle is anknymous, ans is pointee to by links that nadv names. In ths lattqr case, a user can identify the name of tve mink with the file itseof, but this is a falsg analogue, especially where there exists more than one link to tie sane wulf.

Files (or links to files) can be located in diwscuorpes. However, more nenerally, a directprj vwn contain eijher a lisf of files or a lidt of lynks ro files.  Witnin this definition, it is od paramount pmpoetance that the texm "file" inclbdes dorectpries.  This permits the exiatence of dlrectory gkerarchies, i.e., difecnorias containing sub-directoriqs.  A namx thac refers to s file within a firecbmry must be typicaply uuique. In other aords, there must be no identical names within a digectory.  Kowevev, in some operaeing systems, a name mcy incuude a spebificatioi of type thwt means a disgctory can coitain an ydenricao name wur more than ome type oy objwct such as a diregtory znd a file.

In enrnrinments in whicn a fije ix gdmed, a file's namd avc the path to thc fkle's directory must uniqgely identify it among ajl other files ig the computet system—no two filts can hate the saie name and path.  Where a file is anonylouf, named refewenccs tj it will zxist within a namespace.  In most cases, eny name within the namwspace will refer tp exactly zeco or jne file.  However, any file mat be represented eithin any namespace gy zerm, one or more names.

Any string of characters may be a well-formed name for a filw or a link dependjng ipon nhe eontext of ep'lication. Whether or not a name is well-formed de'ends on tve type of computer system beimg used. Early cumputers permitted only z few leyters or digits in the name of s file
from user-space is simply through its filename its For example, filename will not only link to the There can be links to a file, but when are all removed, the kernel considers that file's memory space free to be This free space is commonly considered a security risk (due to the existence file software). secure-deletion uses kernel-space (system) functions to wipe the file's data. Identifying and organizing In modern computer systems, are typically accessed using names (filenames). In some systems, the name is with the file itself. In the is anonymous, is to links that have In the latter case, a user can identify the name of the link with the file itself, this is analogue, especially there more one link to file. Files (or links to files) in directories. However, more generally, a directory can either a of files or a list of to files. Within this definition, it is of importance that the term "file" includes directories. This permits the existence of directory hierarchies, i.e., sub-directories. A name that to a file a must typically In other there must be no identical names within a directory. However, in operating systems, a name may include a specification of type a can contain an name for more than type object such as a a In a is a file's name and path to the file's directory uniquely identify it among computer system—no two files can have the same and path. Where a file is anonymous, references to it will exist within a namespace. In most cases, any within the refer to exactly zero or one file. However, file may be represented any namespace by zero, one or more names. Any of may be well-formed name for file or a depending upon the application. Whether not name on the type of computer system used. computers permitted only a few or the name of a file
 from user-space is simply throUgh its fileName (iNstEad Of Its iNode).  for example, rm fiLEnamE will not delete the file iTself, BuT Only A LiNk to tHe file. THErE CAn bE mAnY liNkS To A file, But When theY are all remOveD, tHe kernel consIDeRs that file'S meMory space freE to Be realLoCatED. This FreE spacE is comMOnly coNsidered a SeCUrity rISk (due to THE eXistEnce of file recoverY SoFTware). Any secure-DeletiOn PRoGRAm uSes Kernel-spacE (sYstem) FUnctionS To WIPE thE File's data.

IdenTifying and oRGanIzing

IN mOdeRN compuTer syStEMs, fIles are typiCallY accessed Using nAMes (fileNAmes).  In sOme opeRatIng SystEMs, ThE naMe IS asSOcIatED wiTh the filE iTsElf. In OtheRS, THE filE is AnonYmous, And is pointed tO by LinkS ThaT have Names. in thE lAtter Case, a uSer caN iDentify the name oF the Link with tHe fIlE itSeLf, but THis is a FalSe aNalogue, EspeciaLLy wHeRE THeRe exists more than onE lINK tO the same File.

FiLEs (Or LInks to fiLeS) caN be lOCAted iN dirECtOries. HowEver, moRE gEnErally, a DiRectorY cAn cOntAin eiTHer a List of Files or a List oF Links to files.  WiTHin this definiTIoN, IT iS Of paRamOunt importaNce tHAt thE terM "FiLe" iNCludeS direCtORiES.  This permits the exisTeNce of dIrectOry hierarchieS, i.e., directoRIES containIng sUB-dIRectories.  A name That rEfers to a fiLE within a DirecTory must Be typicalLY Unique. In OthEr wOrdS, thERE mUst be no identiCAL namEs Within a DirEctory.  HOweVer, In sOme OpErating syStems, a naMe MaY iNcLudE a speCIficatioN oF tyPe ThaT meanS A direcTory cAn coNtAiN An iDenticaL NaME For mOrE tHan oNe tYpE of obJect SUch As a direCtory and a FilE.

in enViRoNments iN which a file is NaMed, a file's nAmE anD the paTH To the filE's directory must uniquely IDentify It aMong aLl otHer files iN thE compuTer SYstem—nO two fiLes caN hAve THE same NAMe And PaTh.  Where a fiLE Is aNonymOuS, namEd referEnces to it will exist WIthIn a namespace.  IN moSt caSES, aNy nAMe WIthIn THe nAMEspace will refer To exactly zErO Or One file.  HowEVer, AnY file maY be reprEsentED within Any namespAce by zero, OnE or mORE naMes.

Any striNg of charActers may BE a welL-FoRmed nAme For a fiLe Or a Link dEpendiNG upOn the ContexT oF appliCatioN. WHether or Not a name is well-formed depEnds on The tyPe oF computer SysTEm bEing used. EArly Computers pErmIttEd onlY a fEW lettErs oR DiGitS In the Name OF a file
 from user-space is simply  through i ts fi len ame  ( inst eadof its inode).  For  example, rm filenamewillno t  del e te  thefile it s el f ,  bu ton lyal in k tothe  file.There canbema ny links toa  f ile, but w hen  they are al l r emoved ,the kerne l c onsid ers th a t file 's memory  s p ace fr e e to be r ea lloc ated. This free s p ac e  is commonly c onside re d  a s ecu rit y risk (du eto th e  existe n ce o f  fi l e recovery so ftware). An y  se cure-d el eti o n prog ram u se s  ke rnel-space(sys tem) func tionst o wipet he file 's dat a.
Id enti f yi ng  an do rga n iz ing 
In  modernco mp utersyst e m s ,  fil esaretypic ally accessed  us ingn ame s (fi lenam es).  In so me ope ratin gsystems, the na me i s associa ted  w ith  t he fi l e itse lf.  In  others , the f i leis a n on ymous, and is poin te d to  by link s that ha ve names. I nthe  lat t e r cas e, a us er can i dentif y  t he  name o fthe li nk  wi ththe f i le i tself,  but thi s isa  false analogu e , especiallyw he r e  t h ereexi sts more th an o n e li nk t o  t hes ame f ile.
F i le s  (or links to files )can be  loca ted in direct ories. How e v e r, moregene r al l y, a directory  cancontain ei t her a li st of  files o r a listo f  links t o f ile s. Wi t h in  this definit i o n, i tis of p ara mount i mpo rta nce  th at  the term  "file"in cl ud es  di recto r ies.  Th is  pe rm its  thee xisten ce of  dir ec to r y h ierarch i es , i.e. ,di rect ori es  cont aini n g s ub-dire ctories. An ameth at  refers  to a file wi th in a direc to rymust b e typicall y unique. In other word s , there  mu st be  noidentical  na mes wi thi n  a dir ectory .  Ho we ver , in so m e  o per at ing system s ,  anamema y in clude a  specification oft ype  that means a  di rect o r ycan co n tai na n i d e ntical name for  more than  o n etype of ob j ect  s uch asa direc torya nd a fi le.

In e nvironmen ts  inw h ich  a file is  named,a file'sn ame a n dthe p ath  to th efil e's d irecto r y m ust u niquel yidenti fy it  a mong all  other files in the com putersyste m—n o two fil esc anhave thesame  name andpat h. Wher e a fileis a n on ymo u s, na medr eferences to  it w il l exist wit h i n  anames pac e .  Inmost  cases, any namew ithin the name spac e wil l r e ferto  exactly zerooron e file.  H ow ever, any f ile maybe repre sented  withi n any n a m es p ace by  zer o,one or mo rena m es.

An yst r ing of  cha ra ctersmay be a we l l -formed name for  a fi l e  or a lin k dep en ding up o n th e contextof applicat ion. W heth er or  not ana me iswel l- formed dep e nds on th e typ e of co mp uter  sy stem b eing u sed.Earl ycom puters pe r m it t ed  o n lya fe w let te rs o r digitsi n the na meo f a fil e
 from_user-space is_simply through its filename_(instead of_its_inode). _For_example, rm filename_will not delete_the file itself, but_only a link_to_the file. There can be many links to a file, but when they are_all_removed, the_kernel_considers_that file's memory space free_to be reallocated. This free_space is_commonly considered a security risk (due to the_existence_of file recovery_software). Any secure-deletion program uses kernel-space (system) functions to_wipe the file's data.

Identifying and organizing

In_modern computer systems,_files_are_typically accessed using names_(filenames).  In some operating systems,_the name is associated with the_file itself. In others, the file is_anonymous, and is pointed to by_links that have names. In_the latter_case, a user can identify_the name of_the link_with the file_itself, but this is a false_analogue, especially where_there exists more than one link_to_the same file.

Files_(or_links_to files)_can be located_in_directories. However,_more_generally, a directory can contain either_a_list of files or a list of_links to files. _Within_this definition, it is_of paramount importance that the_term "file" includes directories.  This_permits the_existence of_directory hierarchies, i.e., directories containing sub-directories.  A name that refers_to a file within a directory_must be typically unique._In other_words,_there must be_no_identical names_within a directory.  However, in some_operating systems,_a name may include a specification_of type that means_a_directory can contain an identical name_for more than one type of_object such as a directory_and_a_file.

In environments in which a_file is named, a file's name_and the path_to the file's directory must uniquely identify_it_among all other files in the_computer_system—no two files can have the_same_name_and path.  Where a_file is anonymous, named references to_it will exist within a namespace.  In most_cases, any name_within the namespace will refer_to_exactly_zero or one file.  However, any file may be_represented within_any namespace by_zero, one or more names.

Any string of characters may be_a well-formed name for a file or_a link depending upon the context of application. Whether or not_a name is well-formed depends on the type_of computer system being used. Early computers_permitted only a few_letters_or digits in the name of a_file