title: What is the difference between a directory and a folder?
body: <p>Most people use the terms &quot;folder&quot; and &quot;directory&quot; interchangeably. From a programmer point of view, is there a difference, and if so, what is it? Does it depend on the OS, or is there a broad, general consensus?</p>
  <p>This <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1191381/english-ui-terminology-directory-or-folder/1195096#1195096">contribution under <em>English UI Terminology: Directory, or Folder?</em></a> at least suggests that there is a difference.</p>