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Directory vs Registry - What's the difference?

directory | registry |

In computing terms the difference between directory and registry

is that directory is a virtual container in a computer's file system, in which files and other directories may be stored. The files and subdirectories in a directory are usually related while registry is a database of configurations etc. maintained by the Microsoft Windows operating system.

As nouns the difference between directory and registry

is that directory is a list of names, addresses etc, of specific classes of people or organizations, often in alphabetical order or in some classification while registry is a building in which things are registered or where registers are kept.

As an adjective directory

is containing directions; instructing; directorial.

directory

Noun

(directories)
  • A list of names, addresses etc, of specific classes of people or organizations, often in alphabetical order or in some classification.
  • (computing) A structured listing of the names and characteristics of the files on a storage device.
  • (computing) A virtual container in a computer's file system, in which files and other directories may be stored. The files and subdirectories in a directory are usually related.
  • Synonyms

    * (structured listing)

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Containing directions; instructing; directorial.
  • registry

    English

    Noun

    (wikipedia registry) (registries)
  • A building in which things are registered or where registers are kept.
  • A record; an account; a register.
  • The act of registering; registration.
  • (computing) A database of configurations etc. maintained by the (Microsoft Windows) operating system.
  • * 1999 , John Papa, ?C. Caison, ?Matt Brown, Professional ADO RDS programming with ASP (page 252)
  • To unregister a DLL and remove the corresponding entries from the registry , add the /u switch to the command