Hidden files or folders ("dotfiles")

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A "hidden folder" is not exactly hidden per se, it's just not shown by default. You can tell it's a hidden folder because its name begins with a single dot (.). These so-called "dotfiles" are omitted from directory listings such as when you invoke the ls(1) command, unless you explicitly ask for them to be shown by using the -a ("show all files") option. Hidden folders or files typically store configuration information that isn't usually relevant to someone's day-to-day use of their computer, but aren't special in any other way. Don't mistake a "hidden" folder for a folder that has actual security restrictions placed on it; they are not the same.