| Directory |
Description |
| /Applications |
Self explanatory, this is where your Mac’s applications are kept |
| /Developer |
The Developer directory appears only if you have installed Apple’s Developer Tools, and no surprise, contains developer related tools, documentation, and files. |
| /Library |
Shared libraries, files necessary for the operating system to function properly, including settings, preferences, and other necessities (note: you also have a Libraries folder in your home directory, which holds files specific to that user). |
| /Network |
largely self explanatory, network related devices, servers, libraries, etc |
| /System |
System related files, libraries, preferences, critical for the proper function of Mac OS X |
| /Users |
All user accounts on the machine and their accompanying unique files, settings, etc. Much like /home in Linux |
| /Volumes |
Mounted devices and volumes, either virtual or real, such as hard disks, CD’s, DVD’s, DMG mounts, etc |
| / |
Root directory, present on virtually all UNIX based file systems. Parent directory of all other files |
| /bin |
Essential common binaries, holds files and programs needed to boot the operating system and run properly |
| /etc |
Machine local system configuration, holds administrative, configuration, and other system files |
| /dev |
Device files, all files that represent peripheral devices including keyboards, mice, trackpads, etc |
| /usr |
Second major hierarchy, includes subdirectories that contain information, configuration files, and other essentials used by the operating system |
| /sbin |
Essential system binaries, contains utilities for system administration |
| /tmp |
Temporary files, caches, etc |
| /var |
Variable data, contains files whose contents change as the operating system runs |