Abstract: A method and system for storing and retrieving files is provided, wherein a plurality of directory storage areas are arranged hierarchically in the form of a directed acyclic graph in secondary storage to store files of modules or software components of application programs or operating systems. Shared use of modules or software components is enabled through the use of directory links, enabling access from a module or software component at a first directory storage area to a software component at a second directory storage area. The directory links may be stored in association with the directory storage areas, and may include information of a dependent directory storage area, such as an address or path in a directory tree.