# VFS, Folders and Files

In Data Mover Smart, **Virtual File Systems (VFS) and Folders** provide a **logical and unified file management layer** that abstracts the underlying protocols and physical storage systems.\
This abstraction allows files to be organized, processed, and monitored consistently, regardless of their physical location or access method.

The **VFS** represents the logical container, while **folders** are the entities where **file activities** occur.

The relationship between VFS, folders, and files can be summarized as follows:

* A **VFS** contains one or more **folders**
* Each **folder** manages a set of **files**

### What is a VFS

A VFS is a logical structure for file management.

It groups one or more folders and defines the scope within which file operations are performed. 

Selecting a VFS determines which folders and files users can access and manage.

For example, an organization can create a VFS named **CustomerData** to manage files exchanged with external partners.\
Within this VFS, separate folders can be defined for different file types or processes, such as **Orders**, **Invoices**, and **Reports**.

### What is a Folder

A **Folder** is the operational entity within a VFS where files are listed and monitored, processing rules are applied, and file event listeners are configured. 

A folder always belongs to a single VFS and represents an access point for files. 

Continuing the **CustomerData** VFS example, a folder named **Orders** can be created to handle incoming order files from external partners.\
This folder lists all received order files, applies rules, and triggers file event listeners when new files are uploaded or processed.\
While the VFS defines the overall scope, the **Orders** folder is where day‑to‑day file operations and automation activities take place.

## Related topics

After understanding the concepts of **VFS** and **Folders**, you can:

* [Create a VFS](/data-mover-smart/virtual-file-systems-and-folders/vfs-folders-and-files/vfs-management/create-a-vfs.md).
* [Add folders to the VFS](/data-mover-smart/virtual-file-systems-and-folders/vfs-folders-and-files/vfs-management/add-folders-to-the-vfs.md). 
* [Create a server connection](/data-mover-smart/services/servers.md) to associate the VFS with an external server. This step enables a system external to Data Mover Smart to access the VFS and interact with its folders and files through the supported protocol.
* [Create a link](/data-mover-smart/services/links.md) to connect the VFS or a folder to a specific endpoint. Links allow file exchange with another Primeur Data Mover Smart, a Primeur Data Mover, a custom or user-defined endpoint accessed via a specific communication protocol. 


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