Directory Structures - TarisMajor/5143-OpSystems GitHub Wiki

Directory Structures:

  • Definition: Directory structures refer to the way in which files and directories (folders) are organized and stored in a file system. These structures allow the operating system to manage and locate files efficiently. The organization can range from simple, flat structures to complex, hierarchical systems, depending on the needs of the system and the number of files involved. Directory structures provide a logical framework that helps users and systems find, store, and manage files with ease.

FoldersByQuarter

  1. Single-Level Directory:

    • Definition: A single-level directory structure is the simplest form of file organization, where all files are stored in one directory. There is no hierarchy or subdirectory structure; every file resides at the same level, making it straightforward but inefficient for large numbers of files.
    • Example: In this structure, files are directly accessible, but if many files are added, finding a specific file becomes increasingly difficult.

  2. Two-Level Directory:

    • Definition: A two-level directory structure improves upon the single-level approach by dividing files into two levels: one directory for users and one directory for files. This structure allows each user to have their own directory, reducing the number of files in each directory and thus making file management easier.
    • Example: One level consists of user directories (e.g., user1, user2), and the second level contains the files for each user.

  3. Tree-Structured Directory:

    • Definition: A tree-structured directory system is a more advanced and commonly used file organization model where directories can contain both files and subdirectories. The root directory acts as the top-level directory, and subdirectories can branch out into more subdirectories, allowing for a hierarchical, tree-like structure of files.
    • Example: This structure allows users to organize files into categories and subcategories, which is very efficient for large systems.

Sources:

  • Silberschatz, A., Galvin, P. B., & Gagne, G. (2018). Operating System Concepts (10th Edition).
  • Tanenbaum, A. S., & Bos, H. (2014). Modern Operating Systems (4th Edition).
  • Stallings, W. (2018). Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles (9th Edition).
  • ChatGPT