Distributed File Systems
A Distributed File System (DFS) is a method of storing and accessing files across multiple servers or locations, allowing users to share and manage data efficiently. Unlike traditional file systems that rely on a single server, DFS spreads data across various nodes, enhancing reliability and performance. This setup enables users to access files as if they were on their local machine, even though they may be stored on different servers.
DFS improves data availability and fault tolerance by replicating files across multiple locations. If one server fails, the system can still retrieve files from another server, minimizing downtime. Popular examples of DFS include Google File System and Hadoop Distributed File System.