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Which of the following is a major trade-off when using indexed file allocation compared to contiguous allocation?

medium🪤 Complexity Trap Q13 of Q15
Operating Systems - File Allocation Methods - Contiguous, Linked, Indexed
Which of the following is a major trade-off when using indexed file allocation compared to contiguous allocation?
AIndexed allocation requires additional disk space for index blocks, increasing overhead
BIndexed allocation causes more external fragmentation than contiguous allocation
CIndexed allocation cannot support direct access to file blocks
DIndexed allocation always results in slower sequential access than linked allocation
Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand indexed allocation overhead

    Indexed allocation stores pointers in index blocks, consuming extra disk space.

  2. Step 2: Analyze indexed allocation requires additional disk space for index blocks, increasing overhead

    Correctly identifies the overhead cost of index blocks.

  3. Step 3: Analyze indexed allocation causes more external fragmentation than contiguous allocation

    Indexed allocation reduces external fragmentation by allowing non-contiguous blocks.

  4. Step 4: Analyze indexed allocation cannot support direct access to file blocks

    Indexed allocation supports direct access via the index block.

  5. Step 5: Analyze indexed allocation always results in slower sequential access than linked allocation

    Sequential access speed is generally better than linked allocation due to direct indexing.

  6. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A

  7. Quick Check:

    Indexed allocation trades space overhead for flexible block placement and direct access.
Quick Trick: Indexed allocation trades space overhead for direct access [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing external fragmentation effects between allocation methods
  • Believing indexed allocation cannot do direct access
  • Assuming indexed allocation is always slower than linked for sequential access
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Options B, C, and D reflect common misunderstandings about fragmentation, access types, and speed trade-offs.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests candidate's grasp of trade-offs and limitations of indexed allocation.
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