What is a file system file timestamp?

A file system file timestamp refers to the metadata associated with a file that indicates the date and time of various events related to the file. These timestamps are used to track and manage the file's creation, modification, and access history. There are typically three types of file timestamps:

1. Creation timestamp (also known as the birth time or creation time): This timestamp indicates the date and time when the file was originally created or added to the file system.

2. Modification timestamp (also known as the last modified time): This timestamp indicates the date and time when the file was last modified or changed. Any modification to the file's content or attributes will update this timestamp.

3. Access timestamp (also known as the last access time): This timestamp indicates the date and time when the file was last accessed or opened. It is updated whenever the file is read or written to, but not when only the file's attributes are modified.

File system file timestamps are crucial for various purposes, such as tracking file changes, determining file age, managing backups, and ensuring data integrity. They provide valuable information about the file's history and can be used for auditing, troubleshooting, and forensic analysis.