File Path

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A File Path identifies a location within a hierarchical file or resource naming structure.

A File Path consists conceptually of an ordered sequence of path components. A path component may identify a directory, container, intermediate location, or terminal Filename.

For example:

reports/2026/quarterly/report.pdf

represents a hierarchy leading to the Filename:

report.pdf

The conceptual File Path does not prescribe a particular path separator or path syntax.

Different logical or physical environments may represent paths using constructs such as:

/
\
:
URI syntax
UNC syntax
container-specific syntax

A File Path may be absolute, relative, rooted, or otherwise contextual according to the applicable naming environment.

Although a hierarchical file structure has namespace-like characteristics, a File Path is distinct from a Namespace. A Namespace establishes a naming and interpretation context, while a File Path identifies a location within a hierarchical naming structure.

An ordered representation of a location within a hierarchical file or resource naming structure.

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A File Path does not prescribe a particular filesystem, operating system, separator character, or encoding.

A File Path may include a Filename as its terminal component, but a File Path may also identify a directory or other intermediate location.

The following conceptual File Path:

models/testing/test-definition.json

contains the ordered path components:

models
testing
test-definition.json

The final component is the Filename:

test-definition.json

The use of / in the example is illustrative and does not prescribe a particular logical representation.