Operating Systems - Inode Structure - File Metadata & Block Pointers
Considering space overhead, what is the trade-off when increasing the number of direct pointers in an inode versus relying more on indirect pointers?
Considering space overhead, what is the trade-off when increasing the number of direct pointers in an inode versus relying more on indirect pointers?
medium🪤 Complexity Trap Q6 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Understand inode size impact
Increasing direct pointers increases inode size, which wastes space especially for small files.Step 2: Analyze access time impact
More direct pointers reduce access time for small files because data blocks are directly referenced without indirection.Step 3: Evaluate options
More direct pointers increase inode size and waste space for small files, but reduce access time for large files incorrectly claims reduced access time for large files. More direct pointers reduce inode size but increase access time for all files incorrectly states direct pointers reduce inode size. More direct pointers have no impact on inode size or access time ignores impact.Final Answer:
Option A -> Option AQuick Check:
More direct pointers increase inode size but speed up small file access [OK]
Quick Trick: Direct pointers trade inode size for faster small file access [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Confusing access time benefits for large files or inode size effects
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Candidates often think more direct pointers help large files or do not affect inode size.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests understanding of inode design trade-offs between space and access speed.
Master "Inode Structure - File Metadata & Block Pointers" in Operating Systems
Want More Practice?
15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free
Free Signup - Practice All QuestionsMore Operating Systems Quizzes