Linux Storage Stack Explained

Explore the intricacies of the Linux storage stack in this comprehensive 45-minute conference talk by Werner Fischer from Thomas-Krenn.AG. Delve into the fundamental concept of "Everything is a file descriptor" and its significance in Linux storage architecture. Gain a clear understanding of the seamlessly interlocking layers within the Linux kernel, including the Virtual File System (VFS), page cache, block layer with various I/O schedulers, stackable devices like device mappers, and drivers. Examine the "Linux Storage Stack Diagram" to visualize the architecture through concrete examples. Learn about the different areas of the VFS, including block-based, network, stackable, pseudo, and special purpose file systems. Discover the functionality and application areas of various file systems such as ext4 and btrfs. Follow the journey of BIOs (block I/Os) as they are processed by the block layer and I/O schedulers, potentially passing through stacked devices before reaching device drivers and physical storage devices. Unravel the complexities of Linux storage mechanisms and enhance your understanding of how data is accessed reliably and efficiently across different file systems and physical storage locations.