windows - What is the Programdata/Application Data folder? -

so writing application iterates through specified directory tree , experimenting exception handles permissions folder access , there 1 folder came across compiler returned had directory of c:\programdata\application data

does know folder is? doesn't seem exist within windows explorer. like, folder isn't there. it's not hidden. isn't there. able inside folder using elevated command prompt when used "dir" command see folder contained, cmd returned:

"directory of c:\programdata\application data

file not found"

i curious know folder is.....

the dir /a command friend here:

c:\programdata>dir /a  volume in drive c has no label.  volume serial number 848a-bbb7   directory of c:\programdata  23/05/2015  03:38 pm    <dir>          . 23/05/2015  03:38 pm    <dir>          .. 14/05/2015  10:28 pm    <junction>     application data [c:\programdata] 

as can see, application data junction point points programdata. windows includes number of similar junction points, backwards compatibility older applications.

the security permissions on junction point explicitly prohibit listing files, why can't listing of contents:

c:\programdata>icacls "application data" /l application data everyone:(deny)(s,rd)                  everyone:(rx)                  nt authority\system:(f)                  builtin\administrators:(f) 

also, junction point marked system , hidden:

c:\programdata>attrib /l "application data"    sh      c:\programdata\application data 

which why explorer doesn't show it. (it appears explorer not show junction points marked hidden , system, if configured show hidden items.)