Unit 2: Internal Representation of Files

This unit dives deep into how the UNIX file system is organized internally. We explore the parent-child relationship of files, different file types, file system layout on disk, and the critical data structures (inodes, superblocks) that make the UNIX file system work.

Key Topics:

1. Parent-Child Relationship of Files — Tree structure and directory hierarchy.
2. Types of Files — Regular, directory, special, pipes, symbolic links.
3. File System Layout — How data is organized on disk (boot block, super block, inode list, data blocks).
4. Data Structures of the File System — In-memory and on-disk structures.
5. Internal Representation of Files: Inodes — The heart of UNIX file management.
6. Accessing and Releasing Inodes — How the kernel manages inode operations.
7. Structure of Regular Files and Directories — Block addressing and directory entries.
8. Superblocks — Master control structure of the file system.
9. Inode and Disk Block Assignment — How new files get storage.

Visual Overview

Above is the visual overview of Unit 2. Please refer to this for a structural understanding before proceeding to the detailed modules.