# Namespaces

The **namespace** identifies where the application will have read-and-write access. It is similar to a directory or folder in your operating system. All operating systems profile access to a base **user folder** in which users can read and write their data. Usually that folder has many subfolders, created by the operating system. Similarly, a **namespace** is the base folder for the application. The application has read and write access and is able to structure the data in subfolders.

**Namespaces** are integral to [PDA](/learn/architecture/personal-data-account.md)-enabled applications as every application is required to specify one upon creation. During the application creation process, the application is given read-and-write permissions to the specified **namespace**. This allows the application developer to structure the data in a way that meets the particular business needs of the application. Often, data accounts or personal data account (PDA) is used as a shorthand for for the provision of a server+namespace for an application.

**Please note that currently it is not possible to change the namespace once the application has been created.**


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