In a Unix-like file system, which component is primarily responsible for mapping a file name to its data blocks on disk?

easy🔍 Pattern Recognition Q11 of Q15

Operating Systems - Inode Structure - File Metadata & Block Pointers

AThe inode, which stores metadata and pointers to data blocks

BThe data block itself, which contains the file's content and its name

CThe superblock, which manages overall file system metadata

DThe directory entry, which contains the file name and a pointer to the inode

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the role of directory entries in file name resolution
Directory entries map file names to inode numbers, acting as the bridge between human-readable names and inode metadata.
Step 2: Clarify inode responsibilities
Inodes store metadata and pointers to data blocks but do not contain file names.
Step 3: Differentiate superblock and data blocks
The superblock manages file system-wide metadata, not individual file mappings; data blocks store file content, not names.
Final Answer:
Option D -> Option D
Quick Check:
Directory entries handle name-to-inode mapping [OK]

Quick Trick: Directory entries map names -> inodes; inodes map data blocks

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Option A is tempting because inodes are central to file metadata, but they do not store file names. Option B confuses data content with metadata. Option C is about global FS info, not file name resolution.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Tests candidate's understanding of the separation between file names and metadata in Unix file systems.

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