MacOS – Two Applications folders, one empty

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I just noticed on my Mavericks' Finder today that there are two different Applications folders. One located under Main HD:

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And the other one at Main HD -> Users -> Amit:

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What's the difference between the two and why is one full while the other empty? Also, I did notice that my Main HD no longer shows the Users folder even though it's there. The Users folder wasn't always invisible. While it's no big deal, I am really curious as to why it would suddenly go undercover without me doing anything to it!

Best Answer

  1. The Application folder inside your home folder is for apps which are restricted to your user. So some applications choose to "install" or copy their application in this folder. It's based on the decision of the app creator. But most of the apps are installed in the /Applications folder.
  2. Apple decided to hide the /Users folder. That's it.

With this command:

sudo chflags nohidden /Users

unhides it.

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