Databases & Data Storage
File Storage
Definition
File storage, also called file-level or file-based storage, is a hierarchical storage methodology used to organize and store data. In this system, data is stored in files, files are organized in folders, and folders are organized under a hierarchy of directories and subdirectories.
Why It Matters
File storage is the familiar model of storage that we all use on our personal computers. It is intuitive for users and provides a simple way to organize and share files on a local network.
Contextual Example
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device in an office provides centralized file storage. Employees can access it from their computers just like a local drive, seeing a familiar structure of folders and files.
Common Misunderstandings
- File storage operates at a higher level than block storage. It manages files and folders, while block storage just manages blocks of data.
- It uses protocols like SMB (for Windows) and NFS (for Linux/Unix) to share files over a network.