File Allocation Methods
Understanding Various Techniques
for Allocating Files on Disk
What is File Allocation?
• • The process of managing disk space to store
files.
• • Ensures efficient disk utilization and easy file
access.
• • Common methods: Contiguous, Linked,
Indexed Allocation.
Overview of File Allocation
Methods
• • Contiguous Allocation: Allocates consecutive
blocks of memory.
• • Linked Allocation: Allocates blocks linked by
pointers.
• • Indexed Allocation: Uses an index block to
store all pointers to the file blocks.
Contiguous Allocation
• • Stores a file in continuous blocks on disk.
• Advantages:
• • Fast access due to sequential reading.
• Disadvantages:
• • Leads to fragmentation.
• • Difficult to find continuous space for large
files.
Linked Allocation
• • Each file block points to the next block in a
linked list.
• Advantages:
• • No fragmentation issue.
• Disadvantages:
• • Sequential access required; slow random
access.
Indexed Allocation
• • Maintains an index block containing pointers
to all the file blocks.
• Advantages:
• • Supports both sequential and random
access.
• • Efficient for large files.
• Disadvantages:
Comparison of File Allocation
Methods
• Method | Advantages | Disadvantages
• Contiguous | Fast access | Fragmentation
• Linked | No fragmentation | Slow random
access
• Indexed | Supports random access | Overhead
in maintaining index block
Fragmentation in Contiguous
Allocation
• • Fragmentation occurs when there is not
enough contiguous space to store a file.
• • Leads to inefficient use of disk space.
Modern Systems and Allocation
Methods
• • Many systems use a combination of these
methods.
• • Hybrid methods aim to reduce
fragmentation and improve performance.
Conclusion
• • Each file allocation method has its pros and
cons.
• • The choice depends on system requirements
and disk usage patterns.
• • Understanding these methods helps in
efficient disk management.
Questions?
