File attribute

A file access classification that determines how a file can be viewed or whether it can be edited. File attributes are maintained in the file system's directories, and typical attributes are Read-Only, Hidden, System and Archive.

Read-Only Attribute

A Read-Only file can be viewed, but not changed.

Hidden and System Attributes

Files marked Hidden and System do not normally display unless the file manager option to display them is selected. Any file can be marked as Hidden; however, operating system and other control program files are marked as System files as a means of identification.

Archive Attribute

The archive attribute is used for backup. When a file is created, the archive bit is turned on. When a backup program copies the file, it turns off the archive attribute. For example, the /m parameter in the Xcopy command in Windows turns off the archive attribute. When the file is edited and saved again, the attribute bit is turned on.

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A file attribute is metadata that describes or is associated with a computer file. For example, an operating system often keeps track of date a file was created and last modified, as well as the file's size and extension (and what application to open it with). File permissions are also kept track of. The user may attach other attributes themselves, such as comments or color labels, as in Apple Computer's Mac OS X (version 10.3 or later).

In MS-DOS, OS/2 and Microsoft Windows the attrib command can be used to change and display file attributes.

See also

• Extended file attributes

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