Directory structure (single-level, two-level, tree, acyclic graph) in Operating Systems - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Understanding Single-Level Directory Structure

Which of the following best describes a single-level directory structure?

A Files are stored in two separate levels: user and system directories.

B Files are organized in multiple directories with parent-child relationships.

C Directories can have multiple parents, forming a graph structure.

D All files are contained in one directory with no subdirectories.

💡 Hint

Think about how many directories exist and how files are arranged in the simplest structure.

A single-level directory structure has only one directory where all files are stored directly. There are no subdirectories or hierarchy.

📋 Factual

intermediate

Two-Level Directory Structure Characteristics

In a two-level directory structure, what is the main advantage compared to a single-level structure?

A Each user has their own directory, preventing filename conflicts between users.

B It allows files to be shared among multiple users without duplication.

C It supports cycles in directory references for flexible file access.

D It stores all files in a single directory for faster access.

💡 Hint

Consider how user directories help organize files and avoid confusion.

A two-level directory structure creates separate directories for each user, so users can have files with the same name without conflict.

🔍 Analysis

advanced

Tree Directory Structure Benefits

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of a tree directory structure?

A It prevents filename conflicts within the same directory.

B It allows hierarchical organization of files and directories.

C It supports multiple parent directories for a single file.

D It enables easier navigation and management of files.

💡 Hint

Think about the difference between tree and graph structures regarding parent directories.

A tree directory structure does not allow multiple parents for a single directory or file; that is a feature of graph structures.

❓ Comparison

advanced

Comparing Tree and Acyclic Graph Directory Structures

What is the key difference between a tree directory structure and an acyclic graph directory structure?

A An acyclic graph allows directories to have multiple parents, unlike a tree.

B A tree allows cycles, while an acyclic graph does not.

C A tree structure stores files only at the root directory.

D An acyclic graph does not support hierarchical file organization.

💡 Hint

Consider how directories can be linked in each structure.

An acyclic graph directory structure allows directories or files to have multiple parent directories, enabling shared files without duplication, unlike a tree.

❓ Reasoning

expert

Determining Directory Structure Type from Description

A system has directories arranged so that each directory can have multiple parent directories, but no cycles exist. Which directory structure does this describe?

A Single-level directory structure

B Acyclic graph directory structure

C Two-level directory structure

D Tree directory structure

💡 Hint

Think about what structure allows multiple parents but forbids cycles.

An acyclic graph directory structure allows multiple parents for directories or files but does not allow cycles, matching the description.