File Systems - EXT

Question 1

What is EXT file system?

Answer 1

Standard file system for Linux since 1992. Also used in some android installations.

4 major versions:
EXT (original 1992-1993)
EXT2 (more advanced 1993 to now)
EXT3 (2001 to now introduced journaling)
EXT4 (2008 to now - refinements to EX3)

Question 4

What is the Inode Table?

Answer 4

The inode table: It follows the superblock and stores information about files and directories, such as permissions, ownership, timestamps, and pointers to data blocks.

Question 5

What are the datablocks?

Answer 5

Data blocks: These hold the actual file contents and are pointed to by the inodes. The blocks are organized into block groups for better efficiency and management.

Question 6

What are the block group descriptors?

Answer 6

Each block group has a descriptor that contains metadata about the group, like the number of free blocks and inodes, inode table location, and more

Question 7

What are the Directories & Files (Inodes)

Answer 7

Files and directories are represented by inodes, which contain metadata. Directories store filenames and pointers to inodes

Question 8

What is the journaling function of EXT?

Answer 8

Some EXT versions include a journal for enhanced reliability and faster recovery after crashes. It logs changes before committing them to the file system.