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Windows Libraries

Windows 7 introduces libraries, which provide users with a single, coherent view of their files even when those files are stored in different locations. Libraries can be configured and organized by a user and a library can contain folders that are found on the user's computer and also folders that have been shared over a network. Libraries present a simpler view of the underlying storage system because, to the user, the files and folders in a library are displayed in single view, no matter where they are physically stored.

Developers writing new programs in Windows 7 are encouraged to use libraries as the means through which the users interact with the files used by the program. Using libraries in your program will provide users with a cleaner, easier, and more consistent experience in Windows 7.

Developers should also review their existing programs, and update them if necessary, to work with libraries. Because libraries are not a part of the file system, file system-based APIs will not have access to any libraries that the user might have configured.

Programs that currently allow users to store their content in different folders or on different computers will benefit most when they add library support. Libraries simplify the management of content in diverse storage locations for the developer and the user.

This guide describes more about what libraries are, how programs can be made to work with libraries, and some of the ways a program can use libraries to improve the user's experience.

Related topics

About Libraries
Using Libraries in your Program
IShellLibrary
Shell Links
Known Folders
Library Description Schema

 

 

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Build date: 3/7/2012

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Windows "Libraries"
Total mess. I want a simple pigeon-hole file. I use FIND if I don't remember which pigeon-hole. At best "Libraries" should be an option. How do I get rid of this lame-brained thing?
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Why Libraries?
I find the concept of Libraries completely annoying.  Based a year's worth of use I can say that they still get in the way, and add confusion to the "Windows experience"; most especially for those of us who have been using Windows from its earliest beginnings.  The Libraries concept seems to be based upon the idea that users have no idea how to organize their data.  For those of us who grew up using MS DOS, we know of no other way to use a computer than to keep it completely organized.  Why would I want Windows to organize my data in a way that doesn't make sense to me?  I've experienced the "heavy hand" of MS before, but in my opinion this is the worst example yet.  The first analogy that came to mind goes something like this, "Wouldn't it be cool if we designed a car that would take people to their destination in a way that totally made sense to us (the designers), but didn't take into account what made sense to the owner of the car?"  Let the arguments begin.  I've heard all of the reasons why the Libraries feature is "cool" and "useful".  All I can say is, "not for me they're not."

In a world of mega-software companies such as MS, it is important to realize that we have very few choices.  I try to take that into account when forming my opnions about changes and updates.  A company like MS has untold millions of users, which means that they cannot listen to all of us.  If W7 turns out to be more stable than Vista (which is seems to be), I'll try to be happy with that.  It is difficult to take things like Libraries in stride, however, as this new feature forces a change upon us that seems to have no value at all; other than to coddle those who have no idea how to organize data.  Coddling those users is a noble cause, I suppose, but why do it at the expense of those of us who have a better way of doing things, and in ways that suit us and have for years?

It would be nice if Libraries could be an option that didn't require a registry hack to remove.  My two cents (and yes...that's about all it's worth).  :o)

Okie Greg
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