hoofdmap

Hoofdmap is a Dutch term used to describe the main folder in a computer's file organization. It refers to the top-level directory in a file system or the primary folder that contains the essential components of a project. As the starting point for content organization, the hoofdmap usually groups related subfolders and files under a single, coherent structure.

In a general file system, the hoofdmap corresponds to the root level of a drive. For example, on Windows the root is C:\, while on Unix-like systems the root is /. A project or application may designate its own hoofdmap as the top-level folder that holds subfolders such as src, docs, data, and tests.

Paths to items inside the hoofdmap can be absolute, beginning at the root, or relative to the current folder. The concept helps users and programs locate resources consistently and supports portability when moving a project between systems if naming and paths are kept portable.

Best practices include using descriptive, consistent names; avoiding unusual characters and excessive length; organizing content with a relatively shallow hierarchy; and maintaining a README or documentation file at the hoofdmap level. Consider permissions, backups, and version control to protect and preserve its contents.

See also: root directory, directory, filesystem, project structure.