In this post we are discussing about Discuss briefly about file attributes in a file system.
Certainly, here are the key points from the provided information about file attributes and the role of directories in file management:
- File Naming: Files are identified and accessed by their names, typically represented as strings of characters (e.g., “example.c”). Some systems are case-sensitive in file names, while others are not.
- Independence of Files: Once a file is named, it becomes independent of the process, user, or system that created it. Different users and systems can access and manipulate the same file using its name.
- File Attributes: File attributes vary among operating systems but generally include:
- Name: The symbolic file name for human readability.
- Identifier: A unique numerical tag that identifies the file within the file system (non-human-readable).
- Type: Information specifying the file’s type or format (e.g., text, binary, executable).
- Location: A pointer to the device and the specific location of the file on that device (e.g., disk sector or block).
- Size: The current size of the file, typically measured in bytes, words, or blocks. It may also include the maximum allowed size.
- Protection: Access-control information that determines which users or processes can read, write, execute, or modify the file.
- Timestamps: Information about when the file was created, last modified, and last accessed. These timestamps are useful for security, auditing, and monitoring purposes.
- Directory Structure: Information about all files is organized and stored in the directory structure, which is also located on secondary storage (e.g., hard drive). Each directory entry typically contains the file’s name and a unique identifier.
- Unique Identifier: The unique identifier within a directory entry is used to locate and access other file attributes. It acts as a reference to the file’s metadata.
- Directory Size: As the number of files increases, the size of the directory also grows. In systems with many files, directories can become quite large, potentially occupying megabytes of storage.
- Nonvolatility: Both files and directories must be stored on nonvolatile storage devices (e.g., hard disks) to ensure data persistence. They are loaded into memory as needed for access.
- Storage Efficiency: Storing information about each file in the directory structure, including its unique identifier, may consume significant storage space, especially in systems with numerous files.