operating-systems file-management
Definition
File Attributes
File attributes (or metadata) are properties stored by the operating system for each file. They describe the file’s ownership, security constraints, and usage characteristics.
Common Attributes
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Creator/Owner | The ID of the user who created or currently owns the file. |
| Protection | Permissions (Read, Write, Execute) for owner, group, and others. |
| Password | Optional access restriction for sensitive files. |
| Timestamps | Creation time, last access time, and last modification time. |
| Size | Current and potentially maximum size of the file. |
| Record Info | Length of records and key positions (for structured files). |
System Flags
- Read-only: Prevents modification or deletion.
- Hidden: Excludes the file from default directory listings.
- System: Marks the file as critical for the OS.
- Archive: Used by backup software to identify files that have changed since the last backup.
- Lock: Indicates if the file is currently in exclusive use by a process.
- Temporary: Marks files that can be safely deleted after a process terminates.