File System Questions Medium
A file system inode, short for index node, is a data structure used by file systems to store metadata about a file or directory. It contains information such as the file's size, permissions, timestamps, ownership, and pointers to the actual data blocks on the storage device where the file's contents are stored.
Each file or directory in a file system is associated with a unique inode number, which serves as an identifier for that particular file or directory. The inode acts as a reference to locate and manage the file's data blocks, allowing the file system to efficiently organize and retrieve files.
Inodes are typically organized in a table or array within the file system, with each entry representing a unique file or directory. The file system maintains a master inode table that keeps track of all inodes in the file system.
When a file is created, the file system allocates a new inode and assigns it to the file. The inode is then populated with the necessary metadata, such as file size and permissions. As the file is modified or accessed, the inode is updated accordingly.
Inodes play a crucial role in file system operations, enabling efficient file access, storage management, and file system integrity. They allow the file system to track and manage files and directories, ensuring proper organization and retrieval of data.