Need Help Understanding File System

[Davidoo]

I have almost everything set up on my new S III and was getting ready to put a 32GB SD card in. When I look at My Files app, it shows the file path as /mnt/sdcard. When I tap the sdcard folder all the other files open and show folders such as Android, DCIM, etc.

What I don't understand is why is the file path "sdcard" when I don't even have an sd card in the phone yet? It seems silly that they would name the phones root directory as sdcard and then have another directory for an actual sd card. I'm sure I'm missing something simple.

When I put the sd card in, how can I see what data I have moved to it, and how can I tell apps such as the camera to put pictures on the sd card instead of the phone memory?

 

[scorpiodsu]

Your sd card will show up as extsdcard. Go up one folder to the mnt folder and you'll see both sd and extsdcard. I'm not sure why they named it this way but it is what it is lol.

After you put a card in when you open the camera it'll automatically ask where you want to store pics and videos or you can change in settings. Most 3rd party apps save to the phone without choice. You just have to move them.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[Davidoo]

Thanks, that is a great explanation. I'm going to add the sd card tomorrow.

 

[anon(1058619)]

It done this was for backwards compatibility and how the Linux file system works.

 

[scorpiodsu]

Yeah but that has nothing to do with the naming convention. They don't have to name the phone storage as "sd card" to make it compatible. Other androids don't do this. It just makes it confusing for users.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[Davidoo]

I put the sd card in today and now have the extsdcard folder show up. I get it now, but seems odd. Maybe due to some stupid Apple lawsuit or patent? Maybe Apple has a patent on the word "phone?"