HP 3000 Manuals

New Features of MPE/iX: Using the Hierarchical File System

What Is a Directory? 

A directory is a special kind of file that contains entries that point to
other files and directories.  Directories, like MPE groups, help
applications and users to organize files in a logical manner on the
system.  A directory contained within another directory is also called a
subdirectory.  A directory that contains other directories is called a
parent directory.  Directories, subdirectories, and files form a
structure for the file system.  A directory entry associates a file name
with a file.

MPE/iX has four types of directories:

   *   root directory

   *   accounts

   *   MPE groups

   *   hierarchical directories

The structure of the HP 3000 file system traditionally allowed for a
three-level hierarchy made up of accounts, groups, and files.  Files
could exist only below MPE groups.  The directory structure on MPE/iX is
hierarchical (like a tree structure).  You can create directories in
groups and accounts that can, in turn, hold files and subdirectories.

The hierarchical directory structure has a common root, called the root 
directory and is denoted by a leading slash (/).  The root is the
foundation of the HP 3000 directory structure.  In traditional MPE terms,
the root is the parent of all accounts.  Files, directories, and accounts
may be located in the root directory.


NOTE  You can put files under accounts in addition to being able to put
      them under groups, directories, and root.


Figure 6-1  shows an example hierarchical directory structure.


          Figure 6-1.  Example of Hierarchical Directory Structure 

MPE/iX 5.0 Documentation