File System Obsolete File Deletion via Reference Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current file systems struggle to efficiently manage and delete obsolete files, especially when data records in database systems include references to files in the file system, leading to complex updates and potential file system clutter.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for deleting obsolete files from a file system, which involves receiving a request to delete a reference to a target file, identifying and deleting the reference file, checking for any remaining references, and if none exist, deleting the target file and removing its reference from the file system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data records in database systems include references to files in the file system, then the integration between database systems and file systems is improved, but the complexity of file system updates and data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file reference management into distinct components: a file reference data structure that stores metadata about references, and actual reference files that contain the reference data. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex interdependencies by processing references in discrete, manageable units rather than handling the entire file system at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first identifying and deleting reference files before deleting target files. The system checks whether a reference file exists and is deleted beforehand, which simplifies the subsequent target file deletion process and prevents errors from attempting to delete non-existent references.
2Reliability
If the file system maintains detailed references to all data files, then the reliability of data management is improved, but the amount of data to be managed and processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference management functionality into a separate reference file structure. Instead of maintaining all reference details within the main file system metadata, the system creates dedicated reference files that store only the necessary reference information, reducing the complexity of managing detailed references while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a deletion mechanism that discards reference files when they are no longer needed. The system identifies reference files that point to deleted or obsolete target files and removes them from the file system, preventing accumulation of unnecessary reference data while recovering space and reducing management overhead.
3Reliability
If the file system performs thorough checks for remaining references before deletion, then the reliability of file deletion is improved, but the time required for deletion operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the reference check and reference file deletion as a preliminary action before the main target file deletion. By completing these checks in advance, the system ensures that no pending references will cause deletion failures, while the actual deletion operation can proceed more quickly without needing to perform checks during the deletion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a fast-forward deletion approach where, after confirming no remaining references exist, the system proceeds directly to deleting the target file without additional verification steps. This rushing through of the deletion process after preliminary checks minimizes the time required for the actual deletion operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deleting obsolete files from a file system is provided. The method includes receiving a request to delete a reference to a first target file of a plurality of target files stored in a file system, the first target file having a first target file name. A first reference file whose file name includes the first target file name is identified. The first reference file is deleted from the file system. The method further includes determining whether the file system includes at least one reference file, distinct from the first reference file, whose file name includes the first target file name. In accordance with a determination that the file system does not include the at least one reference file, the first target file is deleted from the file system.