Applications folder under home directory empty (in Finder)?

I'm setting up my first iMac. I dragged my home directory to my Finder Favorites, and sure enough through that I can access my desktop, Documents, Downloads, Photos, etc. However, what's kind of weird is that the Applications folder (listed along with everything else) is not expandable (empty?)

Now, the Applications folder, which is itself a separate favorite in my Finder, as well as directly accessed through the dock, is full of my applications.

I'm sure it is a simple answer, but can someone explain this?

Sure, there are two applications folders. One that is in the root directory, this is applications installed for ALL users. One that is in your home directory, this is for applications installed for ONLY that user. Unless you installed something that was SPECIFICALLY, it should be empty.

Thank you! Where is that root directory located? (Just out of curiosity). Would it be harmful to move that empty folder (through the Finder) to the trash? (i.e. is it simply a shortcut, or would deleting it actually delete the root folder?)

Being at the root directory simply means that it is at the most basic level of the hard drive and not sitting inside another folder. Think of the root level as the first level of organization on the drive.

The empty applications folder in your user folder is real and not a shortcut (alias). I don't think there are problems with removing it if it's really empty. Others can chime in on that score. I don't know what would be gained by removing it though. On my machine it takes up 0 k of space until something is placed there.

LadyJemima said:

Thank you! Where is that root directory located? (Just out of curiosity). Would it be harmful to move that empty folder (through the Finder) to the trash? (i.e. is it simply a shortcut, or would deleting it actually delete the root folder?)

Click to expand...

Don't delete the Applications folder that's under your home directory.

Okay, I'll leave it as is. Thank you, everyone!

Dysfunction said:

Don't delete the Applications folder that's under your home directory.

Click to expand...

It would be good to also include the reason for this advice.