EXT4 File System

Assignment – Understanding the EXT4 File System Essay
This is an extra credit assignment. This means you will need to do additional readings and research to complete the assignment. This assignment will only help your grade, it can not detract from your grade.

This is a WRITTEN ESSAY based extra credit assignment.

Background:

The extended file system, or ext, was implemented in April 1992 as the first file system created specifically for the Linux kernel. It has since gone through a few iterations and EXT4 is the current version and the default is systems such as Debian and Ubuntu. This version continued the journaling that was created in the ext3 file system.

Task:
Provide a detailed yet concise description of the ext4 filesystem (include diagrams of the data structures). This should include how all meta-data is stored and utilized, how the directory entries are maintained, how files are referenced, and how the journaling works.

Requirements:
The paper must include an abstract, detailed explanations, diagrams, references and were necessary a glossary of terms. The paper must also include a detailed bibliography of all cited and referenced materials. It is expected that this paper be at least 4 pages in length not including diagrams, abstract and bibliography.

Grading:
This paper will be graded based upon its completeness, accuracy, and clarity. Failure to site references will result in that aspect of the paper being ignored and not counted in the grading.

Rubric
Component Points
Clarity and completeness of the explanation of the EXT4 filesystem
15
Explanation and description of structures to maintain directories and their corresponding entries.
20
Explanation of Meta Data, description of the structure(s) to maintain the meta data and how it is accessed.
20
Description, including structures, of how files are accessed
15
Description of Journaling and how it is utilized. Include and example.
20
Bibliography 5
Abstract and Appendix 5