Directory.Delete has poor MSDN documentation (IMO) and a confusing "recursive As Boolean" second parameter

Question

Hello,
The MSDN explanation is:
"Deletes the specified directory and, if indicated, any subdirectories and files in the directory."
If you specify that a directory should be deleted, the logical assumption is that subfolders and files will also be deleted. How can you delete a directory without all of its recursive contents also being deleted!? The documentation does not explain why
you need the Boolean parameter.
I have tested the function out, and I cannot understand the results it is producing. Can someone clarify precisely what this function actually does?
Also, is there another function that simply delete the directory whether or not it has any contents?
Many thanks.
Keith
R K Howard

Answer 1

I tested what I communicated to you with another developer, and we both observed the behaviour. I will re-test soon (I can't do it immediately) and re-post later on.
Thanks.
R K Howard
Perhaps but you don't specify what you were doing when the behavior occured. I would guess something else had a folder open for one of the folders you were attempting this with. Or perhaps a file open and locked in the initial folder or subfolders off the
initial folder.
Doesn't any process on a PC have to ask the OS if it can "open" a file or folder or delete either so the OS knows what to do when those things occur including if something else has that file or folder open? After all the program doesn't delete
anything. It tells the OS it wants something deleted and the OS performs the deletion doesn't it? Otherwise the MFT could not keep track of anything on the system could it?
I replicated the issue as
Rbie said by having explorer displaying one of the folders to be deleted.
I have code that will display if a folder is open in Explorer if you would like that.
Also with regard to the Boolean value that will keep any subfolders in a chain from the initial folder in the path as well as the initial folder from being deleted if a subfolder contains a file if it is set to false. I suppose all other subfolders not in
that direct chain but in other subfolders in the initial folder would be deleted up to their entire chain except the original folder in the path if they all were empty.
Obviously if the boolean is set to true it will allow all folders in the initial folder, and all their chains, to be deleted as well as the initial folder even if they contain files. However there could be security issues that occur if a user used that code
on a path chain where they had no delete authority somewhere along the line of the chain.
Tree with branches rather than chain really.
La vida loca