# CodeIgniter User Guide Version 1.7.2

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# Directory Helper

The Directory Helper file contains functions that assist in working with directories.

## Loading this Helper

This helper is loaded using the following code:

`$this->load->helper('directory');`

The following functions are available:

## directory_map('source directory')

This function reads the directory path specified in the first parameter and builds an array representation of it and all its contained files. Example:

`$map = directory_map('./mydirectory/');`

Note: Paths are almost always relative to your main index.php file.

Sub-folders contained within the directory will be mapped as well. If you wish to map only the top level directory set the second parameter to true (boolean):

`$map = directory_map('./mydirectory/', TRUE);`

By default, hidden files will not be included in the returned array. To override this behavior, you may set a third parameter to true (boolean):

`$map = directory_map('./mydirectory/', FALSE, TRUE);`

Each folder name will be an array index, while its contained files will be numerically indexed. Here is an example of a typical array:

`Array
(
[libraries] => Array
(
[0] => benchmark.html
[1] => config.html
[database] => Array
(
[0] => active_record.html
[1] => binds.html
[2] => configuration.html
[3] => connecting.html
[4] => examples.html
[5] => fields.html
[6] => index.html
[7] => queries.html
)
[2] => email.html
[3] => file_uploading.html
[4] => image_lib.html
[5] => input.html
[6] => language.html
[7] => loader.html
[8] => pagination.html
[9] => uri.html
)`