File System Architecture and Inodes Essentials Quiz Quiz

Explore core concepts of file system architecture and the role of inodes with this 10-question quiz, designed to reinforce your understanding of storage structures, metadata, and directory organization. Perfect for those seeking quick insights into how files are managed and identified within operating systems.

1. Definition of Inode

   Which of the following best describes what an inode represents in a file system?

   1. A file's actual data blocks stored on disk
   2. A temporary cache for network files
   3. A unique data structure containing metadata about a file
   4. A menu that lists all user commands

   Explanation: An inode is a unique data structure that stores metadata about a file, such as permissions, ownership, and timestamps. It does not contain the file's actual data, which is stored separately. Option B is incorrect because inodes reference data blocks rather than containing the data themselves. Option C refers to shell interfaces, not file systems. Option D describes a feature unrelated to inode functionality.

2. Inode and File Name Relationship

   How does a typical file system use inodes to associate file names with their stored data?

   1. File names are stored directly in the inode next to the data blocks
   2. Directory entries map file names to inode numbers, which then point to data blocks
   3. Inodes store file names and ignore directory entries
   4. Each data block lists all file names it belongs to

   Explanation: In most file systems, directory entries provide a mapping from human-readable file names to inode numbers, and inodes, in turn, point to the actual data blocks. Inodes do not store file names (option B and D are incorrect). Option C is not accurate because data blocks do not store information about file names.

3. Contents of an Inode

   Which of the following is NOT typically stored in an inode?

   1. File name
   2. File creation timestamp
   3. File permissions
   4. Owner's user ID

   Explanation: An inode typically includes metadata such as permissions, timestamps, and ownership, but it does not store the file name. File names are maintained in directory entries. The other options are examples of legitimate inode contents.

4. Inode Number Uniqueness

   Can two different files on the same file system share the same inode number, and why?

   1. Yes, but only for system files
   2. No, unless the files have identical contents
   3. Yes, if the files are created by the same user
   4. No, each file must have a unique inode number within the same file system

   Explanation: Each file in a file system is assigned a unique inode number to distinguish it from all other files. The user's identity (option B) or file similarity (option D) do not affect inode assignment. Option C is inaccurate; system files are also given distinct inodes.

5. Link Counts and Inodes

   What happens to an inode's link count when a file hard link is deleted but at least one reference remains?

   1. The file becomes a soft link
   2. The link count decreases by one, but the inode and file remain accessible
   3. The file and inode are immediately deleted
   4. The inode number changes

   Explanation: When a hard link is removed, the inode’s link count reduces by one, but as long as the count is above zero, the file remains accessible. The inode is only removed when the link count reaches zero. The inode number does not change (option C), and removing a hard link doesn't create a soft link (option D).

6. Symbolic Links vs. Hard Links

   Which statement correctly distinguishes symbolic links from hard links in relation to inodes?

   1. Symbolic links can only be used for directories, not files
   2. Hard links point to a file name, while symbolic links share data blocks
   3. Hard links increase the size of the original file
   4. Symbolic links have a separate inode and point to a file name, while hard links share the same inode as the target file

   Explanation: Symbolic links have their own inode and point to the target file name, whereas hard links share the inode with the original file, making them indistinguishable from the original. Option B is incorrect as hard links do not point to file names. Symbolic links can point to both files and directories (option C), and hard links do not change the file's size (option D).

7. Directory as a Special File

   Why is a directory considered a special type of file in many file system architectures?

   1. It cannot be assigned any inode
   2. It directly holds all the data blocks of every file inside it
   3. It stores only file creation dates
   4. It contains entries mapping file names to inode numbers

   Explanation: A directory functions as a special file because it contains a list of entries that map file names to their respective inode numbers for quick lookup. Unlike option B, it is not limited to file creation dates. Option C is incorrect because data blocks are pointed to by inodes, not stored in directories. Option D is false since directories have inodes like regular files.

8. Space Efficiency and Inode Allocation

   What limitation can occur if a file system runs out of available inodes but has free data blocks remaining?

   1. The file system automatically formats itself
   2. No new files can be created even though space is still available
   3. All existing files become read-only
   4. Files double in size

   Explanation: If all inodes are used up, the file system cannot create any new files even if there is free disk space remaining. This does not cause files to become read-only (option B), the system to format itself (option C), or files to double in size (option D).

9. Role of Direct, Indirect Pointers

   Why do inodes use direct, single indirect, and double indirect pointers in file systems?

   1. To encrypt file content for security
   2. To efficiently address both small and large files without wasting space
   3. To store file names for quick access
   4. To prevent accidental file deletion

   Explanation: Inodes use different levels of pointers so they can reference small files with direct pointers for efficiency, and large files via indirect pointers for scalability. Encryption and file name storage (options B and C) are not handled this way, and the pointer system does not directly prevent file deletion (option D).

10. Identifying Corrupt Inodes

    Which condition is most likely to indicate an inode has become corrupt in a file system?

    1. The file name is misspelled
    2. File metadata cannot be read even though the file name appears in the directory
    3. The user changes file permissions
    4. The file is stored in multiple directories

    Explanation: A corrupt inode often results in metadata not being readable or accessible, while the directory entry (file name) remains visible. Misspelled file names (option B), files present in multiple directories due to hard links (option C), or permission changes by users (option D) do not necessarily indicate inode corruption.