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In computing, a hidden directory or hidden file on a computer is a directory (folder) or file which a user cannot see by default. Hidden directories most often serve to hide important operating system-related files and user preferences. But malicious programs can also use this functionality to hide their presence from unaware users.
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Unix and Unix-like environments
In Unix-like operating systems, the names of hidden files and hidden directories start with a period character (for example: /home/user/.config) — hence some people may refer to them as dotfiles. How to show or hide them depends on the file manager in use (e.g. mc shows them by default) or ls with the flag -a can reveal otherwise invisible resources: (ls -a). Additionally, wildcards on the shell command line will not match dotfiles unless they start with an explicit '.' .
DOS
In MS-DOS and other DOS systems, users can make files and folders hidden or visible by toggling their Hidden File attribute using attrib command. Invoking dir /a may reveal the existence of unsuspected hidden objects.
Microsoft Windows
In Microsoft Windows, hiding resembles that of DOS - users can hide or unconceal items by toggling the "Hidden" attribute, using attrib or Windows Explorer.
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