Is there a definitive guide for special folders in windows?

Question

Is there a definitive guide for special folders in windows? An internet search yielded just a few crumbs of information, e.g.

• Wikipedia:Special Folders
• Windows 7 Client Software Logo Program (pdf)

What I'm looking for is an explanation of each folder, its intended purpose, usage scenarios and motivation for its existence (e.g. what does Local App settings provide for that App settings doesn't). A matrix/table of requirements/uses against folder would be handy I think.

Lenticular

See also this question – Manama

Does this answer your question? As a developer, how should I use the special folders in Windows Vista (and Windows 7)? – Tricrotic

Answer 1

How about the CSIDL reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/csidl

and the KNOWNFOLDERID reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/knownfolderid

Tedesco

Answer 2

In addition to the CSILD and KNOWNFOLDERID references, you can find also some useful bits here (Classify Application Data and following).

Oubliette