A filesystem defines how data is structured, stored, and retrieved on storage media like disks or drives. It manages file organization, metadata, and access permissions to enable efficient data handling.
Core Features
- Hierarchical Structure - Organizes files into directories and subdirectories.
- Metadata Management - Tracks file attributes such as size, timestamps, and permissions.
- Space Allocation - Efficiently assigns storage blocks to files to minimize fragmentation.
- Access Control - Enforces security through permissions for users and groups.
Common Types
- FAT32 - Simple, widely compatible filesystem with size limitations.
- NTFS - Advanced for modern Windows, supporting encryption and large files.
- EXT4 - Default in Linux systems, offering journaling for data integrity.
- APFS - Optimized for macOS and iOS, featuring snapshot capabilities.
Selecting a filesystem depends on factors like performance requirements, compatibility needs, and specific features such as journaling to prevent data corruption during failures.
