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OS File Operations

Last Updated : 25 Oct, 2023
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File operations within an operating system (OS) encompass a set of essential tasks and actions directed at files and directories residing within a computer's file system. These operations are fundamental for the effective management and manipulation of data stored on various storage devices. In this article, we will learn different file operations and what are the system calls and APIs used to perform them in a Linux / Windows-based OS.

File-Operations-in-OS

File Creation and Manipulation

File Creation and Manipulation encompasses essential operations within an operating system that involve creating, modifying, and organizing files and directories. These actions are vital for managing data efficiently and are integral to the functioning of computer systems.

File Operation

Description

System Calls / APIs

Creating Files

Create a new file for data storage.

  • open() (Linux-like systems)
  • CreateFile() (Windows)

Creating Directories

Create a new directory for organizing files.

  • mkdir() (Linux systems)
  • CreateDirectory() (Windows)

Opening Files

Open a file that you already have open to read or write from.

  • open() (Linux systems)
  • CreateFile() (Windows)

Reading Files

Retrieve data from an open file.

  • read() (Linux systems)
  • ReadFile() (Windows)

Writing Files

Store data in an open file.

  • write() (Linux systems)
  • WriteFile() (Windows)

Renaming Files and Directories

If you want to rename a file or directory,.

  • rename() (Linux systems)
  • MoveFile() (Windows)

Deleting Files and Directories

Remove files or directories.

  • unlink() (Linux systems)
  • remove() (Linux systems)
  • DeleteFile() (Windows)
  • RemoveDirectory() (Windows)

File Organization and Search

File organization and search are key OS operations for arranging files systematically and swiftly locating specific data, optimizing file management and user efficiency.

File Operation

Description

System Calls / APIs

Copying Files

Create duplicates of files in another location.

  • cp (Linux systems)
  • CopyFile() (Windows)

Moving Files

Relocate files from one location to another.

  • mv (Linux systems)
  • MoveFile() (Windows)

Searching for Files

Locate files based on specific criteria.

  • find (Linux systems)
  • FindFirstFile() and FindNextFile() (Windows)

File Security and Metadata

File Security and Metadata are vital components of file management, encompassing access control and crucial file information preservation within an operating system. They are essential for data security and efficient organization.

File Operation

Description

System Calls / APIs

File Permissions

Control access rights to files and directories.

  • chmod (Linux systems)
  • SetFileSecurity (Windows)

File Ownership

Assign specific users or groups as file owners.

  • chown (Linux systems)
  • SetFileSecurity (Windows)

File Metadata

Retrieve and manipulate file information.

  • stat (Linux systems)
  • GetFileAttributesEx (Windows)

File Compression and Encryption

File Compression and Encryption are essential for optimizing storage and enhancing data security. Compression reduces file sizes, while encryption safeguards data privacy by making it unreadable without the correct decryption key.

File Operation

Description

System Calls / APIs

File Compression

Reduce file sizes to save storage space.

  • gzip, zip, tar (Linux systems),
  • Compress-Archive (Windows)

File Encryption

Protect data by converting it into an unreadable format.

  • openssl, gpg (Linux systems)
  • Windows provides encryption libraries and APIs for encryption operations.

Conclusion

In summary, this article has explored essential file operations in Linux and Windows-based operating systems. It has provided insights into the system calls and APIs used to perform these operations, covering everything from file creation and manipulation to organization, search, security, metadata, compression, and encryption.


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