WIN32FILEATTRIBUTEDATA

The WIN32FILEATTRIBUTEDATA structure is a data structure used in the Windows API to retrieve file attribute information for a specified file or directory. It is primarily utilized with the `GetFileAttributesEx` function, which allows developers to obtain detailed file attributes beyond those provided by `GetFileAttributes`. This structure is particularly useful in scenarios requiring precise control over file metadata, such as backup utilities, file management applications, or system diagnostics.

The WIN32FILEATTRIBUTEDATA structure contains several key fields that describe file attributes. The primary field is `dwFileAttributes`, which holds a combination of flags indicating the file's state, such as whether it is read-only, hidden, system-protected, or archived. Additional fields include `ftCreationTime`, `ftLastAccessTime`, and `ftLastWriteTime`, which store timestamps for when the file was created, last accessed, and last modified, respectively. These timestamps are represented as `FILETIME` structures, which contain 64-bit values representing the number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601 (UTC).

This structure is particularly useful for applications that need to work with file metadata in a structured and consistent manner. For example, it can be employed to synchronize file timestamps across different systems or to implement custom file backup solutions that preserve detailed metadata. The use of `GetFileAttributesEx` with `GetFileExInfoStandard` as the flag ensures compatibility with older Windows versions while providing enhanced functionality.

Developers can populate a `WIN32FILEATTRIBUTEDATA` structure by calling `GetFileAttributesEx` and passing the path of the file or directory. The function retrieves the attributes and populates the structure, which can then be examined or modified as needed. This structure is a fundamental component of file system operations in Windows programming, offering a balance between simplicity and flexibility for handling file metadata.