This week introduces files, directories, inodes, file descriptors, file-system layout, allocation strategies, and reliability concerns in persistent storage.
Week 9 explains how operating systems organize persistent data. Students study file abstractions, directory structures, metadata, and how file-system data structures map names to blocks.
| Time | Activity | What Students Do | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Lecture | Preparation Reading | Read OSTEP Chapters 39–40 and list three pieces of metadata stored for a file. | Book → |
| Lecture 1 | File-System Interface | Files, directories, paths, file descriptors, open/read/write/close, and permissions. | Slides → |
| Lecture 2 | File-System Implementation | Inodes, data blocks, bitmaps, allocation, directory entries, and simple file-system layout. | Slides → |
| Lab Session | File-System Lab | Use stat, ls -i, open/read/write, and simple C programs to inspect files and metadata. | Lab → |
| After Lecture | Assignment 9 | Write a C program that copies a file and reports basic file metadata. | Assignment → |
| End of Week | Quiz 9 | Complete short quiz on files, directories, inodes, file descriptors, permissions, and file-system layout. | Quiz → |
Explain file-system abstractions, use Linux file APIs, describe inodes and directories, and reason about file metadata.
Slides for file systems. Replace this placeholder with your final PDF or Google Slides link.
Instructor notes and class summary for review after lecture and before assessment.
Placeholder for lecture recording or external video link. Replace this href with YouTube, Blackboard, or local recording URL.
Starter files, examples, and templates for the Week 9 lab and assignment.
Complete the assigned reading before lecture. Focus on definitions, mechanisms, tradeoffs, and examples that connect to the lab.
Use this reference to look up commands, system calls, library calls, and Linux behavior related to this week.
Use stat, ls -i, open/read/write, and simple C programs to inspect files and metadata.
Write a C program that copies a file and reports basic file metadata. Submit source code, screenshots, and a short explanation.
Short quiz covering files, directories, inodes, file descriptors, permissions, and file-system layout.
Central download area for slides, notes, lab, assignment, starter code, and reference files. Replace placeholder paths after uploading final files.
Week 10 focuses on I/O systems and storage devices. Students should understand files before studying disks and device interaction.