An ext file system, also known as the extended file system, is a type of file system used in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. There have been several versions of the ext file system, including ext, ext2, ext3, and ext4.
The ext file system is based on a structure known as the inode, which stores information about a file or directory such as its size, permissions, and location on the disk. Each file and directory on the file system has its own inode, and the inode table stores the inodes for all of the files and directories on the file system.
The ext file system also includes a feature known as the superblock, which is a special data structure that stores important information about the file system as a whole. This includes the size of the file system, the number of inodes and blocks, and the location of the inode and block bitmaps.
One of the main advantages of the ext file system is its ability to support large files and volumes. Ext4, the latest version of the ext file system, can support files up to 16 TB in size and volumes up to 1 exabyte in size. It also includes features such as journaling, which helps to recover from corruption or power failures, and support for extended attributes, which allows for the storage of metadata such as security labels and access controls.
The ext file system is widely used in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems, and is the default file system for many Linux distributions. It is known for its stability, performance, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware and software.
Overall, the ext file system is a reliable and widely-used file system that is well-suited for use in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. Its inode and superblock structures allow for the efficient storage and management of files and directories, and its support for large files and volumes makes it a flexible and versatile file system.
