recentfile

Recentfile is a concept in software design referring to a collection or feature that tracks files a user has recently opened or accessed. It is commonly implemented in applications, operating system interfaces, and cloud services to provide quick access to frequently used documents.

Functionality and scope: A recentfile list is typically ordered from most recently used to least recently used, capped at a configurable size, and updated automatically when a file is opened. Some implementations allow pinning or prioritizing certain entries, and many persist across sessions or devices. Users can usually clear the history or disable the feature for privacy reasons.

Implementation notes: In practice, recentfile behaves like a lightweight MRU cache or history log. It is often stored in a per-application configuration file, registry entry, or local database, and read by menus or dialogs that present the list. While access timestamps can inform ordering, most systems rely on explicit write events (opening or selecting a file) rather than file system metadata alone.

Examples and usage: Desktop environments expose recentfile-style menus in file open dialogs and task bars; text editors and integrated development environments maintain a "Recent Files" list; cloud storage clients show recently opened documents on a home or dashboard screen; mobile apps may present recent items behind a "Recents" tab.

Considerations: Privacy and security concerns arise on shared devices, leading to options to clear or disable the list. Synchronization features may replicate the history across devices via cloud accounts, introducing additional privacy questions. Design often balances quick access with performance and storage constraints.

See also: MRU cache, Recently used files, File history, Opening a file, Atime (access time).