Moving files via current folder window.

I have noticed that if I cut and paste a file or folder via the GUI, Matlab seems to physically move the location of file or folder on the hard drive (even if the move is within a partition). So I never use the Matlab current folder window to move files. But sometimes I forget and I cut and paste a large data file and then endure a long irritating wait (I thought I'll ask this question while I wait :-)) for the operation to complete. Is this behaviour intentional and if so why?

Typical OS behaviour is to change the internal pointers or links and not move the actual file. I would expect this to be the default Matlab behaviour also.

Thank You.

[Jan]

What exactly is "via the GUI"? Which GUI? Where did you paste the file? What is "changing the internal pointer"?

[SK]

GUI == Current Folder Window

[SK]

When the operating system moves files within a partition, it does not physically move the file on the drive. It changes the "internal pointer" or "internal reference" within the file system - whatever form that might take for the particular file system - which is why it takes almost no time to move a file from one location to another when cutting and pasting from the OS file manager - whichever one that may be.

[Jan]

Ah, I see. I've played a liitle with my Matlab R2016b/Win7/64. At first I had the same behaviour, then, after an intented duplication with the Ctrl-key, the expected moving is performed, not a duplication anymore. Confusing.

Answer 1

[Jan]

If I copy&paste a file in the windows explorer, it is duplicated and this is what I expect in folder views also, e.g. in the file seclection dialogs. Links are created only, if I drag files to the task bar or start menu.

Therefore I assume, the creation of the copy is the wanted and expected behavior for a copy&paste.

[SK]

I'm not talking about copy. I said cut and paste which most OS's will treat as a move.