What is a File System and how many types are there?

If you are from computer background, then you probably know what the file system is and how many types are there? If not then there is nothing to worry because today we will know about what is this file system of computer and all the things related to it.

Some types of file systems (also called FS in short) in computers that help store and organize data in storage media, such as hard drives, CDs, DVDs, optical drives or flash drives (pendrive) In.

You can think of a file system as an index or database in which the physical location of all the data of the hard drive or any other storage device is stored. In this, the data is usually organized into folders which are called directories, and it also contains other folders and files.

Any place where a computer or any other electronic device stores data, there is some kind of file system used. This includes your Windows computer, your Mac, Smartphone, Bank's ATM… even the computer in your car.

If you too want to get the complete information about what are these file systems and their types, then you should read this article from the file system in computers one time at a time, till all the doubts articles in your mind get over and Will not stay. Then let's move forward without delay.

Everything in each computer system is stored according to the files. These files are mainly either data files or application files. Each operating system has its own way of organizing data internally.

The operating system here performs this management with the help of a program called the File System. The type of file system here determines how to access data and programs. In addition, it also determines which level of accessibility is available to the users.

What are file systems?

In a computer, a file system - written as filesystem - is a method where files are named and where they are placed logically for storage and retrieval.

Without a file system, isolating stored information in individual files is a difficult task and in such a situation it becomes even more difficult to identify and retrieve it. As data capacities increase, then their organization and accessibility of individul files become more important in data storage.

Digital file systems and files have been named and modeled in such a way that only after paper-based filing systems can they store and retrieve documents using the same logic-based method.

File systems are different in different operating systems (OS), such as Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux-based systems. Some file systems are designed for some specific applications. Major types of file systems are distributed file systems, disk-based file systems and special-purpose file systems.

Architecture of the file system

Each File System has two or three layers. Sometimes all layers in the File System are explicitly separated, and sometimes the functions of all layers are combined into one layer. It depends on that work how to do it.

1. Logical file system - This file system is related to the user application, such as an application program to open (OPEN) the file and read (READ) its data and then the application program to close (CLOSE) the file. Provides the Application Program Interface. This layer provides file access, directory related tasks and security related operations.

2. Virtual file system (optional) - This layer is not required to be present in every file system, this layer is used to manage virtual files.