File Systems

A file system is a core component of an operating system that controls how data is stored and retrieved on a storage device, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive. It imposes a structure on the data, typically a hierarchical one of files and directories, allowing users and applications to organize, locate, and access information efficiently. The file system is responsible for managing the physical space on the storage medium, keeping track of metadata for each file (like permissions, size, and creation date), and translating logical file requests from applications into the specific physical locations on the disk, thereby providing a crucial abstraction layer between software and storage hardware.

1. Introduction to File Systems
   1. Definition and Core Function
      1. What is a File System
      2. Role in Data Management
      3. Abstraction of Storage Devices
   2. Role within an Operating System
      1. Interface between User and Hardware
      2. Integration with OS Components
      3. File System Services Provided by OS
   3. Goals of a File System
      1. Data Persistence
         1. Long-term Data Storage
         2. Crash and Power Failure Resilience
      2. Efficient Access
         1. Fast Data Retrieval
         2. Optimized Read/Write Operations
      3. User and Application Abstraction
         1. Simplified File Handling
         2. Hiding Hardware Complexity
      4. Data Sharing and Protection
         1. Multi-user Access
         2. Data Integrity
         3. Access Restrictions
   4. User Perspective vs. System Perspective
      1. User View of Files and Directories
      2. System View of Data Structures and Algorithms