CA2178753C - Extended attributes file system - Google Patents
Extended attributes file system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2178753C CA2178753C CA002178753A CA2178753A CA2178753C CA 2178753 C CA2178753 C CA 2178753C CA 002178753 A CA002178753 A CA 002178753A CA 2178753 A CA2178753 A CA 2178753A CA 2178753 C CA2178753 C CA 2178753C
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- extended
- record
- fmea
- extended attribute
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
- G06F16/10—File systems; File servers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S707/00—Data processing: database and file management or data structures
- Y10S707/99941—Database schema or data structure
- Y10S707/99942—Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S707/00—Data processing: database and file management or data structures
- Y10S707/99941—Database schema or data structure
- Y10S707/99943—Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface
Abstract
The present invention provides a definition, format, and structure of extended attributes (210) for managing, maintaining, and controlling file systems. This is accomplished by creating a database containing management, maintenance, control, and other user-defined data that are associated with a directory entry (110A-110D) of the file system. The database is stored inside the extended attribute or sets of extended attributes (210). According to the present invention, each extended attribute (210) includes a header (210A) for defining the extended attribute that comprises a first plurality of fields (310-318). It also includes a plurality of records (210B) for storing data. In turn, each record of the plurality of records comprises a second plurality of fields (340-348). The extended attribute is identified by a string stored in a directory entry (110A-110D) of a directory entry table (110) for the file system. The string comprises a predetermined substring denoting the extended attribute having the database architecture of the present invention. The first plurality of fields of the extended attribute includes fields for storing a length of the header (310), a version number of the header (312), a revision number of the header (314), the number of extended attributes in the database (316), and the number of records (318) in the plurality of records in the database. The second plurality of fields includes fields for storing a name of a record (346), data (348), a record length (340), a length of the record name (342), and a length of the data (344). Both the name and data are stored as strings.
Description
wo ss/l624l 2 1 7 8 ~ 5 3 PcTmss4/l40s7 EXTENDED ATTRIBUTES FILE SYSTEM
BACKGROIJND OF TEIE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE II~VENTION
The present invention is related to the field of file systems using extended attributes.
BACKGROIJND OF TEIE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE II~VENTION
The present invention is related to the field of file systems using extended attributes.
2. BACKGROUND ART
In the prior art, several operating systems support the concept of extended attributes (EA). Usually, the extended attributes of the prior art are 15 used for storing "attributes" or the contents of a database.
A prior art method, disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 5,218,696 issued to Baird, et al. on June 8,1993, implements a method for dynamically e~r~n-lin~
and rapidly accessing file dil~lvli~s in a UNIX tree-based file directory system.
20 The technique provides name-oriented accessing of files having at least zero records, any access path to files and records through an external store couplingthe computer being defined by a pair of related directories. An attribute directory of record entries is sorted on a two-part token. The token consists of a unique serial number assigned to the record and the unique serial number of 25 any parent record entry. Each record entry includes the token, file or recordname, and external store address or pointer. The name directory is a subset of the attribute directory. A traverse through the tokens constitutes a leaf-searchable B-tree. The names directory provides fast access into the attribute directory. Thus, Baird, et al., is directed to a method for dynamically _ _ . _ _ _ . . . . . .
wo 95/16241 ` t ~ ;, PCTNS94/14097 exr~n~in~ and rapidly acceSsing file dil~Lu~ . Hûwever, the prior art lacks an architecture of extended attributes for providing improved file system m~n~ mf~nt, mAint~n~m~, and control by creating and storing a database inside the extended attributes.
Another prior art method, disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 5,113,519 issued to Johnson, et al. on May 12,1992, imrl~m~nt~ a system and method for m~int~inin~ file attributes at a server data processing system in a distributed data processing system. The file attributes include file size, modify time, and 10 access time. The system and method provides a protocol that allows processes in the distributed ~ILVilUlUII~ to access a file. A file is accessed either through system calls or through a m.orh~ni~m mapping the file to the address space of each process. Thus, the attributes of the files are distributed to all of the interested processes. The attributes are " .~ .s.1 st ludl al~ly and 15 independently from each of the other attributes in the distributed environment. Johnson, et al., is directed to a system and method for ", i,.l~i,.i"~ file sizes, modify times, and access times at a server data processing system in a disL.il,uLed data processing system. However, the prior art lacks an d~ Lul~ of extended attributes for providing improved file 20 system m~n~ mPnt~ and control by creating and storing a database inside the extended attributes.
While the prior art allows an extended attribute to be named and can store i~lfullllaLiul~ it fails to define an dl~lliL~ ul~ for storing information in 25 the extended attributes. Thus, the prior art does not provide high p,-, t,..
file management using extended attributes.
217~7~3 WO9S11~i241 PCTIUS94114097 SUMMARY OF THE pRF.riFNT INVENTION
The present invention provides a ~lr-finition format, and structure of extended attributes for m~n~in~, 1ll .;ll1,.;ll;ll~, and controlling file systems.
5 This is accomplished by creating a database rr~nt~inin~ management, I,l~;lll--ll -l-cP, control, and other user-defined data that are ~cSori~t~r~ with a directory entry of the file system. The database is stored inside the extended attribute or sets of extended attributes.
According to the present invention, each extended attribute includes a header for defining the extended attribute that comprises a first plurality of fields. It also includes a plurality of records for storing data. In turn, each record of the plurality of records comprises a second plurality of fields. The extended attribute is identified by a string stored in a directory entry of a 15 directory entry table for the file system. The string comprises a ~ . ",;.,r~l substring denoting the extemled attribute having the database al~luL~Lul~ of the present invention. The first plurality of fields of the extended attribute includes fields for storing a length of the header, a version number of the header, a revision number of the header, the number of extended attributes in 20 the database, and the number of records in the plurality of records in the database. The second plurality of fields includes fields for storing a name of arecord, data, a record length, a length of the record name, and a length of the data Both the name and data ale stored as stnngs.
21787~i3 WO9~116211 PCTIUS9~/14097 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN~;S
.. ~
Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a file system comprising a directory entry table and extended attributes;
Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an extended attribute of the present invention including a header and a set of N records;
Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal format of an extended 10 attribute of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating data types used for header fields and record fields of the extended attribute of Figure 3; and, Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of searching for a directory entry (entries) that may contain an FMEA database.
WO 951162`11 217 8 7 5 3 PCTIUS9~ 1097 DETAILED DESCRIPTIQN OF THE PF~F~FNT INVENTION
A method for providing file system management using extended attributes is described. In the following description, numerous specific details, 5 such as file formats, pointers, etc., are described in detail in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to ~ 1 ily obscure the present 10 invention.
File System Supporting Extended Attrihute A~ u~
The present invention is an architecture for managing file systems (e.g., 15 Netware File Systems Version 3.X 2nd greater) with support for extended attributes. Figure I is a diagram illustrating a .~ ..LaLion of a file system, i.e., Netware File System Version 3.X. The file system 104 comprises a directory entry table 110 and extended attributes 120,130, and 140. The directory entry table 110 comprises directory entries llOA-llOD. Figure 1 20 illustrates that a single extended attribute 120 or lists of extended attributes 120 and 130 may be ~cco~i~t~ with each directory entry llOA-IIOD. A directory entry llOA-IlOD is defined to be a file or directory in the file system 110. Theextended attributes of each directory entry IIOA-IIOD are "hidden" from users of the file system 104 and are not normally "visible" from any clients of the 25 files system 104. Application software and operating systems (e.g., OS/2) useextended attributes (e.g., extended attributes 120 and 130) to store informationabout a file. This i..rulll.aLiul. includes proprietary and application dependent infnrm ;~ tinrl WO 9'i/16241 21 7 8 ~ 5 3 PCT/US94/14097 . ' `
The present invention mùre clèarly specifies the r~rfinitinn, format, and structure of extended attributes 120 and 130 for the purposes of m~n~in~, m~intAinin~, and controlling file systems 104. This is accomplished by creating 5 a database rnnt~inin~ m~n~Pmr-nt, ~ rr~ control, and other user-defined data that are ~ccori~tr-d with a directory enhy 110A-llOD. The database is stored inside the extended attributes 120 or sets of extended athributes 120 and 130.
In the following d~ Liul~ an extended attribute 120 and 130 that suppo}ts this architecture is referred to as a file mAn~r-mr-nt extended attribute (FMEA). The file system 104 of the present invention allows extended attributes 120,130, and 140 with text strings of known length. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the text strings may comprise up to 255 15 characters in length. Extended attributes 120 and 130 supporting the FMEA
cu.lliLeLIul~ are required to include the substring "FMEA" at the start of theirname. The present invention is not limited to the substring "FMEA", and other character rnmhin~tionC may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invenùon. The substring may be followed with any 20 rnmhin~hnn of characters allowed by the extended attribute naming iUlls of the file system 104. Any extended attribute having the string "FMEA" beginning its name is considered to be part of the FMEA database for the particular directory enhry. Other extended attributes may be associated witha directory entry 110A-llOD, but are not supported by either tools or methods 25 adhering to the FMEA al~l iLe.~ul~. For example, extended athribute 140 of directory entry 110A has a name beginning with the substring "XYZ123" and is not part of the FMEA database; however, extended attribute 120 of directory entry 110C is part of the FMEA database.
WO 9S1162~11 2 1 7 ~ 7 5 3 PCTIUS94/14097 Database Usin~ Extended Attribute A~ e~lul~
An FMEA database is structured as one or more FMEA's that is 5 formatted as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating that an FME~ 210 includes a header 210A and a set 210B of N records (i.e., record I to record N). The FMEA 210 of directory entry 110D is referenced by a name "FMEA_TWO". Header 210A is followed by a set 210B of one or more records.
For this du.lu~lul~, an FMEA without records is deleted from the database, 10 i.e., if FMEA 210 has no records, FMEA 210 is deleted from the database. Figure 2 d~ s~dL~ the internal structure of the database.
Internal A~ ul~ of Extended Attribute Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal format of an FMEA.
Extended attribute 210 is an FMEA as indicated by its name starting with substring "FMEA". The extended attribute 210 comprises header 210A and a set 210B of N records. The set 210B of N records includes record 2. Header 210A and record 2 are shown in detail (indicated by dashed lines).
The header 210A is a variable length structure that can be extended by adjusting the length field and attaching all~litil)n~ at the end of the header structure. The header 210A comprises fields 310, 312, 314, 316, and 318. The length of the header 310 specifies the length of the header structure 25 (i.e., in bytes) and is also used to determine the offset of a first record (i.e., record 1) in extended attribute 210. Fields 312 and 314 store the FMEA version and revision, respectively. Field 316 contains the number of FMEA's in the database. Each FMEA in the database stores this number in field 316 of its wo 9~1162~1 2 ~ 7 8 ~ ~ 3 PCTIU594/14097 0 header. Field 318 of the FMEA 210 is used to determine the presence of all necessary FMEA's in the database. The number of records field 318 refers to the records within the specific FMEA 210, rather than to the total number of records in the FMEA database given b~y fièld 316.
The extended attribute 210 of Figure 3 includes a set 210B of N records including record 2. Record 2 of FMEA 210 is shown in detail in Figure 3 ~U~ g fields 340, 342, 344, 346, and 348. The length of the record field 340 specifies the length of the record structure (i.e., in bytes). Field 342 contains the 10 length of name specifying the number of characters, up to a prf~rlP~I~rmine~lnumber (e.g., 255 characters), in the name. Field 344 stores the length of data contained in the record (i.e., record 2). Field 346 contains the name of the particular record (i.e., record 2 in this instance). Field 348 of the FMEA 210 contains the data stored in record 2.
Figure 4 is a detailed diagram illustrating specific data types used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention for fields 310-318 of a header 210A and fields 340-348 of a record for FMEA 210 of Figure 3. In the preferred .li",~"l of the present invention, a byte is defined as an unsigned 8-bit 20 integer, a word is an unsigned 16-bit integer, a dword is an unsigned 32-bit integer, and a string is a sequence of bytes.
The length of a header field 310 of header 210A is a word data type allowing the header 210A to be up to 65,535 bytes long. The FMEA version and 25 revision fields 312 and 314 are each double words (i.e., 32-bit integers). The number of FMEA's in the database field 316 is a double word allowing the database to contain up to four gigabytes (4 GB) of extended attributes. The WO 95/162~1 2 17 8 7 5 3 PCTIUS9 1/1~097 _ g _ number of records field 318 is a word allowing the extended attribute (i.e., thespecific FMEA 210) to contain up to 65,535 records.
The length of record field 340 of record 2 is a word data type allowing the 5 record to be up to 65,535 bytes long. The length of name field 342 is a byte allowing a record name 346 (string) to contain up to 255 characters. The length of data field 344 is a word FPrmi~;n~ the data 348 (string) to contain up to 65,535 characters. As stated previously, the name field 346 and data field 348 are sequences of bytes (up to 255 and 65,535 bytes, respectively).
Database Operations ~Jsing Extended Attribute Architecture The al~l,iL~.Iul~: of extended attributes (FMEA), as illustrated in Figures 1-4, may be used by tools and methods for providing access to directory entries 15 (i.e., directory entries 110A-IlOD of directory entry hble 110 of Figure 1) using the record names 346 as search keys. For exarnple, an application program may allow the file system to "tag" a directory entry IIOA-IIOD of Figure I with application types: "word ~ a~ "spreadsheet", etc. Thus, an entire file system 104 may be searched for all files and directories (i.e., directory entries 20 IIOA-IIOD of a directory entry table 110) having the type "word processing".
The string "word processing" is stored in the name field 346 of a record (e.g., record 2 of set 210B shown in Figures 2-4) in the FMEA database for the files and directories of the file system 104. This facility would allow an ad.~ ,L.~ of the file system 104 to determine storage space used by textual 25 files in contrast to 1~y~ hl1~ files, for instance. While a specific example is illustrated for finding files and .li~ s having the type "word processing", it should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be used by tools and methods to accomplish the m~n~em,~n~, WO 95/16241 2 1 7 ~ ~ 5 3 PCT/US94/14097 1~
nn~intl~n~nl~-o, and control of files and directories in a file system (e.g., the Novell Netware envilu~ ,L).
-,:
The present invention for providing an extended attributes architecture 5 may be used to allow file system a-llllillisLI~lLul~ to easily manage files and directories in a computer n~L~vu.~illg environment (e.g., the Novell Netware el~vilulllll~llL). Table 1 contains several applications of the present invention that may use Novell Netware utilities.
NCOPY: Copy all files matching an FMEA record name.
NDIR: Display directory infnrm~inn of a file matching the FMEA record name.
SMS: Backup a directory entry (entries) matching the FMEA record name.
FILER: Allow the creation and a.llillisLIaLiuof FMEA
databases and their contents.
FLAG: Add record names to an FMEA database (i.e., "tag"
files and/or Llil~Lul;~s with a string).
The NCOPY utility allows all files matching an FMEA name 346 to be 25 copied. The NDIR utility displays directory i"~ A~ of a file in the file system 104 that matches the FMEA record name (e.g., "word processing"). The SMS utility makes backup copies of directory entries 110A-llOD that match an FMEA record name 346. The FILER utility allows the creation and wo 95116241 2 1 7 8 ~ 5 ~ PCI/US9~ 097 administration of FMEA databases and their contents. The FLAG utility adds record names to an FMEA database. This is done by "tagging" files or di~ LL,li~s (directory entries IIOA-IIOD) with a string.
r The present invention may be used to implement a version control system for files. Using the extended attribute architecture, the version controlsystem is able to keep track of file inf~ n version number of the file, the date that the file was built, the owner (or person responsible for) of the file, and an electronic footprint of the file for detecting when non-FMEA applications modify the file. Prior art version control systems are inf~ffifi~nt, particularly regarding the release of software files. With the FMEA d~-luLeLLU~ and file system utilities, a source code librarian may "tag" files as release files using the string "release" in the record names 346. The utility NCOPY may be used to copy all "release" files to a compact disc (CD) for storage, for example. In theprior art, this operation is done manually by copying the "release" files manually, which is slow and in~ffi~ nt Thus, the present invention provides an efficient method for copying "release" files.
The extended attribute (FMEA) d~ iL~-Lul~ of the present invention allows multiple FMEA databases to be ~ccori~t~ with a file(s). Application programs may create sets of FMEA's for use by the application programs as long as the application programs adhere to the al~lliLe-Luu,: of the present invention so that file system utilities and other FMEA applications (and methods) may support them.
wossll62~l 217 8 ~ ~ 3 PCT/I~S94/14097 ~ i Searching For Dirçctory Entries Using 'rhe Present Invention Figure 5 is a flow diagram i~ ctrAtin~ a method of searching for a 5 directory entry (çntries) that may contain an FMEA database Accori~tP(l with it.
It further illustrates a method of reading each record in the FMEA database and ~L~L~-ILLillg the names and dah of the records to the user. Figure 5 is providedby way of example to illustrate data fiow using the rlPfinitir~n, format, and structure of extended attributes for m~nA~in~, m~int~inin~, and controlling 10 file systems according to the present invention. Execution begins at step 500.
In step 502, a directory entry (DE) is found (e.g., DE 110A-lIOD). In decision block 504, a check is made to determine if the directory entry has an FMEA
database ACcori~tPr1 with it. In the preferred Pmhor]imPnt of the present invention, this check is A~ l.Pd by looking at the starting substring of the 15 name of the extended attribute to detçr~nine if it contains "FMEA". If the name of the extended attrib-lte begins with "FMEA", the extended attribute is assumed to contain an FMEA databasç. Thus, when dedsion block 504 returns false (no), execution continues at decision block 512. In decislon block 512, a check is made to ~lrtPrminr if there are more directory entries in the file 20 system (e.g., file system 104). Whçn decision block 512 returns false (no), execution continues at step 514. In step 514, çxecution ~ P~., When decision block 512 returns true (yes), execution continues at step 502. When decision block 504 returns true (yes), execution continues at step 506.
2~i In step 506, a count of çxtended attributes is set to zçro. In step 508, anFMEA of the directory entry is opened (e.g., extended attribute 120 of DE llOC
in Figure 1). In step 510, the FMEA database header is read to obtain the number of extended attributes m the database (e.g., field 316 of header 210A
wo 95116~41 2 i 7 ~ 7 ~ ~ PCTIUS94/14097 shown in Figure 4). In step 516, a ,check is made to determine if the count of extended attributes is less than the number of extended attributes in the FMEA
database. When decision block 516 returns false (no), execution continues at decision block 512 (described above). When decision block 516 returns true 5 (yes), execution continues at step 518.
In step 518, the FMEA header is read to obtain the number of records in the particular extended attribute (i.e., field 318 of header 210A shown in Figures 3 and 4). In step 520, the name of the extended attribute is output to 10 the user. In step 522, a count of records is set to zero. In decision block 524, a check is made to d~tf~rminP if the coumt of records is less than the number of records in the extended attribute. When decision block 524 returns false (no), execution continues at step 534. In step 534, another extended attribute (FMEA) c<~nt linin~ the FMEA database is obtained. In step 536, the count of extended 15 attributes is incremented. Execution continues at decision block 516. When decision block 524 returns true (yes), execution continues at step 526.
In step 526, a record of the extended attribute (e.g., record 2 of extended attribute 210 shown in Figure 3) is read. In step 528, the name of the record 20 (i.e., field 346 shown in Figures 3 and 4) are output. In step 530, the data of the record (i.e., field 348 shown in Figures 3 and ~) is output to the user. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the name 346 and/or data 348 of the record may require illL~ LdLi~ or other processing. In step 532, the count of records is in~ L~d. Execution contmues at decision block 524.
In this manner, a method for providing a fll~finitit~n, format, and structure of extended attributes for m~n~in& ...-;..I,.;..;..~, and controlling file systems is disclosed.
In the prior art, several operating systems support the concept of extended attributes (EA). Usually, the extended attributes of the prior art are 15 used for storing "attributes" or the contents of a database.
A prior art method, disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 5,218,696 issued to Baird, et al. on June 8,1993, implements a method for dynamically e~r~n-lin~
and rapidly accessing file dil~lvli~s in a UNIX tree-based file directory system.
20 The technique provides name-oriented accessing of files having at least zero records, any access path to files and records through an external store couplingthe computer being defined by a pair of related directories. An attribute directory of record entries is sorted on a two-part token. The token consists of a unique serial number assigned to the record and the unique serial number of 25 any parent record entry. Each record entry includes the token, file or recordname, and external store address or pointer. The name directory is a subset of the attribute directory. A traverse through the tokens constitutes a leaf-searchable B-tree. The names directory provides fast access into the attribute directory. Thus, Baird, et al., is directed to a method for dynamically _ _ . _ _ _ . . . . . .
wo 95/16241 ` t ~ ;, PCTNS94/14097 exr~n~in~ and rapidly acceSsing file dil~Lu~ . Hûwever, the prior art lacks an architecture of extended attributes for providing improved file system m~n~ mf~nt, mAint~n~m~, and control by creating and storing a database inside the extended attributes.
Another prior art method, disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 5,113,519 issued to Johnson, et al. on May 12,1992, imrl~m~nt~ a system and method for m~int~inin~ file attributes at a server data processing system in a distributed data processing system. The file attributes include file size, modify time, and 10 access time. The system and method provides a protocol that allows processes in the distributed ~ILVilUlUII~ to access a file. A file is accessed either through system calls or through a m.orh~ni~m mapping the file to the address space of each process. Thus, the attributes of the files are distributed to all of the interested processes. The attributes are " .~ .s.1 st ludl al~ly and 15 independently from each of the other attributes in the distributed environment. Johnson, et al., is directed to a system and method for ", i,.l~i,.i"~ file sizes, modify times, and access times at a server data processing system in a disL.il,uLed data processing system. However, the prior art lacks an d~ Lul~ of extended attributes for providing improved file 20 system m~n~ mPnt~ and control by creating and storing a database inside the extended attributes.
While the prior art allows an extended attribute to be named and can store i~lfullllaLiul~ it fails to define an dl~lliL~ ul~ for storing information in 25 the extended attributes. Thus, the prior art does not provide high p,-, t,..
file management using extended attributes.
217~7~3 WO9S11~i241 PCTIUS94114097 SUMMARY OF THE pRF.riFNT INVENTION
The present invention provides a ~lr-finition format, and structure of extended attributes for m~n~in~, 1ll .;ll1,.;ll;ll~, and controlling file systems.
5 This is accomplished by creating a database rr~nt~inin~ management, I,l~;lll--ll -l-cP, control, and other user-defined data that are ~cSori~t~r~ with a directory entry of the file system. The database is stored inside the extended attribute or sets of extended attributes.
According to the present invention, each extended attribute includes a header for defining the extended attribute that comprises a first plurality of fields. It also includes a plurality of records for storing data. In turn, each record of the plurality of records comprises a second plurality of fields. The extended attribute is identified by a string stored in a directory entry of a 15 directory entry table for the file system. The string comprises a ~ . ",;.,r~l substring denoting the extemled attribute having the database al~luL~Lul~ of the present invention. The first plurality of fields of the extended attribute includes fields for storing a length of the header, a version number of the header, a revision number of the header, the number of extended attributes in 20 the database, and the number of records in the plurality of records in the database. The second plurality of fields includes fields for storing a name of arecord, data, a record length, a length of the record name, and a length of the data Both the name and data ale stored as stnngs.
21787~i3 WO9~116211 PCTIUS9~/14097 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN~;S
.. ~
Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a file system comprising a directory entry table and extended attributes;
Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an extended attribute of the present invention including a header and a set of N records;
Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal format of an extended 10 attribute of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating data types used for header fields and record fields of the extended attribute of Figure 3; and, Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of searching for a directory entry (entries) that may contain an FMEA database.
WO 951162`11 217 8 7 5 3 PCTIUS9~ 1097 DETAILED DESCRIPTIQN OF THE PF~F~FNT INVENTION
A method for providing file system management using extended attributes is described. In the following description, numerous specific details, 5 such as file formats, pointers, etc., are described in detail in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to ~ 1 ily obscure the present 10 invention.
File System Supporting Extended Attrihute A~ u~
The present invention is an architecture for managing file systems (e.g., 15 Netware File Systems Version 3.X 2nd greater) with support for extended attributes. Figure I is a diagram illustrating a .~ ..LaLion of a file system, i.e., Netware File System Version 3.X. The file system 104 comprises a directory entry table 110 and extended attributes 120,130, and 140. The directory entry table 110 comprises directory entries llOA-llOD. Figure 1 20 illustrates that a single extended attribute 120 or lists of extended attributes 120 and 130 may be ~cco~i~t~ with each directory entry llOA-IIOD. A directory entry llOA-IlOD is defined to be a file or directory in the file system 110. Theextended attributes of each directory entry IIOA-IIOD are "hidden" from users of the file system 104 and are not normally "visible" from any clients of the 25 files system 104. Application software and operating systems (e.g., OS/2) useextended attributes (e.g., extended attributes 120 and 130) to store informationabout a file. This i..rulll.aLiul. includes proprietary and application dependent infnrm ;~ tinrl WO 9'i/16241 21 7 8 ~ 5 3 PCT/US94/14097 . ' `
The present invention mùre clèarly specifies the r~rfinitinn, format, and structure of extended attributes 120 and 130 for the purposes of m~n~in~, m~intAinin~, and controlling file systems 104. This is accomplished by creating 5 a database rnnt~inin~ m~n~Pmr-nt, ~ rr~ control, and other user-defined data that are ~ccori~tr-d with a directory enhy 110A-llOD. The database is stored inside the extended attributes 120 or sets of extended athributes 120 and 130.
In the following d~ Liul~ an extended attribute 120 and 130 that suppo}ts this architecture is referred to as a file mAn~r-mr-nt extended attribute (FMEA). The file system 104 of the present invention allows extended attributes 120,130, and 140 with text strings of known length. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the text strings may comprise up to 255 15 characters in length. Extended attributes 120 and 130 supporting the FMEA
cu.lliLeLIul~ are required to include the substring "FMEA" at the start of theirname. The present invention is not limited to the substring "FMEA", and other character rnmhin~tionC may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invenùon. The substring may be followed with any 20 rnmhin~hnn of characters allowed by the extended attribute naming iUlls of the file system 104. Any extended attribute having the string "FMEA" beginning its name is considered to be part of the FMEA database for the particular directory enhry. Other extended attributes may be associated witha directory entry 110A-llOD, but are not supported by either tools or methods 25 adhering to the FMEA al~l iLe.~ul~. For example, extended athribute 140 of directory entry 110A has a name beginning with the substring "XYZ123" and is not part of the FMEA database; however, extended attribute 120 of directory entry 110C is part of the FMEA database.
WO 9S1162~11 2 1 7 ~ 7 5 3 PCTIUS94/14097 Database Usin~ Extended Attribute A~ e~lul~
An FMEA database is structured as one or more FMEA's that is 5 formatted as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating that an FME~ 210 includes a header 210A and a set 210B of N records (i.e., record I to record N). The FMEA 210 of directory entry 110D is referenced by a name "FMEA_TWO". Header 210A is followed by a set 210B of one or more records.
For this du.lu~lul~, an FMEA without records is deleted from the database, 10 i.e., if FMEA 210 has no records, FMEA 210 is deleted from the database. Figure 2 d~ s~dL~ the internal structure of the database.
Internal A~ ul~ of Extended Attribute Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal format of an FMEA.
Extended attribute 210 is an FMEA as indicated by its name starting with substring "FMEA". The extended attribute 210 comprises header 210A and a set 210B of N records. The set 210B of N records includes record 2. Header 210A and record 2 are shown in detail (indicated by dashed lines).
The header 210A is a variable length structure that can be extended by adjusting the length field and attaching all~litil)n~ at the end of the header structure. The header 210A comprises fields 310, 312, 314, 316, and 318. The length of the header 310 specifies the length of the header structure 25 (i.e., in bytes) and is also used to determine the offset of a first record (i.e., record 1) in extended attribute 210. Fields 312 and 314 store the FMEA version and revision, respectively. Field 316 contains the number of FMEA's in the database. Each FMEA in the database stores this number in field 316 of its wo 9~1162~1 2 ~ 7 8 ~ ~ 3 PCTIU594/14097 0 header. Field 318 of the FMEA 210 is used to determine the presence of all necessary FMEA's in the database. The number of records field 318 refers to the records within the specific FMEA 210, rather than to the total number of records in the FMEA database given b~y fièld 316.
The extended attribute 210 of Figure 3 includes a set 210B of N records including record 2. Record 2 of FMEA 210 is shown in detail in Figure 3 ~U~ g fields 340, 342, 344, 346, and 348. The length of the record field 340 specifies the length of the record structure (i.e., in bytes). Field 342 contains the 10 length of name specifying the number of characters, up to a prf~rlP~I~rmine~lnumber (e.g., 255 characters), in the name. Field 344 stores the length of data contained in the record (i.e., record 2). Field 346 contains the name of the particular record (i.e., record 2 in this instance). Field 348 of the FMEA 210 contains the data stored in record 2.
Figure 4 is a detailed diagram illustrating specific data types used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention for fields 310-318 of a header 210A and fields 340-348 of a record for FMEA 210 of Figure 3. In the preferred .li",~"l of the present invention, a byte is defined as an unsigned 8-bit 20 integer, a word is an unsigned 16-bit integer, a dword is an unsigned 32-bit integer, and a string is a sequence of bytes.
The length of a header field 310 of header 210A is a word data type allowing the header 210A to be up to 65,535 bytes long. The FMEA version and 25 revision fields 312 and 314 are each double words (i.e., 32-bit integers). The number of FMEA's in the database field 316 is a double word allowing the database to contain up to four gigabytes (4 GB) of extended attributes. The WO 95/162~1 2 17 8 7 5 3 PCTIUS9 1/1~097 _ g _ number of records field 318 is a word allowing the extended attribute (i.e., thespecific FMEA 210) to contain up to 65,535 records.
The length of record field 340 of record 2 is a word data type allowing the 5 record to be up to 65,535 bytes long. The length of name field 342 is a byte allowing a record name 346 (string) to contain up to 255 characters. The length of data field 344 is a word FPrmi~;n~ the data 348 (string) to contain up to 65,535 characters. As stated previously, the name field 346 and data field 348 are sequences of bytes (up to 255 and 65,535 bytes, respectively).
Database Operations ~Jsing Extended Attribute Architecture The al~l,iL~.Iul~: of extended attributes (FMEA), as illustrated in Figures 1-4, may be used by tools and methods for providing access to directory entries 15 (i.e., directory entries 110A-IlOD of directory entry hble 110 of Figure 1) using the record names 346 as search keys. For exarnple, an application program may allow the file system to "tag" a directory entry IIOA-IIOD of Figure I with application types: "word ~ a~ "spreadsheet", etc. Thus, an entire file system 104 may be searched for all files and directories (i.e., directory entries 20 IIOA-IIOD of a directory entry table 110) having the type "word processing".
The string "word processing" is stored in the name field 346 of a record (e.g., record 2 of set 210B shown in Figures 2-4) in the FMEA database for the files and directories of the file system 104. This facility would allow an ad.~ ,L.~ of the file system 104 to determine storage space used by textual 25 files in contrast to 1~y~ hl1~ files, for instance. While a specific example is illustrated for finding files and .li~ s having the type "word processing", it should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be used by tools and methods to accomplish the m~n~em,~n~, WO 95/16241 2 1 7 ~ ~ 5 3 PCT/US94/14097 1~
nn~intl~n~nl~-o, and control of files and directories in a file system (e.g., the Novell Netware envilu~ ,L).
-,:
The present invention for providing an extended attributes architecture 5 may be used to allow file system a-llllillisLI~lLul~ to easily manage files and directories in a computer n~L~vu.~illg environment (e.g., the Novell Netware el~vilulllll~llL). Table 1 contains several applications of the present invention that may use Novell Netware utilities.
NCOPY: Copy all files matching an FMEA record name.
NDIR: Display directory infnrm~inn of a file matching the FMEA record name.
SMS: Backup a directory entry (entries) matching the FMEA record name.
FILER: Allow the creation and a.llillisLIaLiuof FMEA
databases and their contents.
FLAG: Add record names to an FMEA database (i.e., "tag"
files and/or Llil~Lul;~s with a string).
The NCOPY utility allows all files matching an FMEA name 346 to be 25 copied. The NDIR utility displays directory i"~ A~ of a file in the file system 104 that matches the FMEA record name (e.g., "word processing"). The SMS utility makes backup copies of directory entries 110A-llOD that match an FMEA record name 346. The FILER utility allows the creation and wo 95116241 2 1 7 8 ~ 5 ~ PCI/US9~ 097 administration of FMEA databases and their contents. The FLAG utility adds record names to an FMEA database. This is done by "tagging" files or di~ LL,li~s (directory entries IIOA-IIOD) with a string.
r The present invention may be used to implement a version control system for files. Using the extended attribute architecture, the version controlsystem is able to keep track of file inf~ n version number of the file, the date that the file was built, the owner (or person responsible for) of the file, and an electronic footprint of the file for detecting when non-FMEA applications modify the file. Prior art version control systems are inf~ffifi~nt, particularly regarding the release of software files. With the FMEA d~-luLeLLU~ and file system utilities, a source code librarian may "tag" files as release files using the string "release" in the record names 346. The utility NCOPY may be used to copy all "release" files to a compact disc (CD) for storage, for example. In theprior art, this operation is done manually by copying the "release" files manually, which is slow and in~ffi~ nt Thus, the present invention provides an efficient method for copying "release" files.
The extended attribute (FMEA) d~ iL~-Lul~ of the present invention allows multiple FMEA databases to be ~ccori~t~ with a file(s). Application programs may create sets of FMEA's for use by the application programs as long as the application programs adhere to the al~lliLe-Luu,: of the present invention so that file system utilities and other FMEA applications (and methods) may support them.
wossll62~l 217 8 ~ ~ 3 PCT/I~S94/14097 ~ i Searching For Dirçctory Entries Using 'rhe Present Invention Figure 5 is a flow diagram i~ ctrAtin~ a method of searching for a 5 directory entry (çntries) that may contain an FMEA database Accori~tP(l with it.
It further illustrates a method of reading each record in the FMEA database and ~L~L~-ILLillg the names and dah of the records to the user. Figure 5 is providedby way of example to illustrate data fiow using the rlPfinitir~n, format, and structure of extended attributes for m~nA~in~, m~int~inin~, and controlling 10 file systems according to the present invention. Execution begins at step 500.
In step 502, a directory entry (DE) is found (e.g., DE 110A-lIOD). In decision block 504, a check is made to determine if the directory entry has an FMEA
database ACcori~tPr1 with it. In the preferred Pmhor]imPnt of the present invention, this check is A~ l.Pd by looking at the starting substring of the 15 name of the extended attribute to detçr~nine if it contains "FMEA". If the name of the extended attrib-lte begins with "FMEA", the extended attribute is assumed to contain an FMEA databasç. Thus, when dedsion block 504 returns false (no), execution continues at decision block 512. In decislon block 512, a check is made to ~lrtPrminr if there are more directory entries in the file 20 system (e.g., file system 104). Whçn decision block 512 returns false (no), execution continues at step 514. In step 514, çxecution ~ P~., When decision block 512 returns true (yes), execution continues at step 502. When decision block 504 returns true (yes), execution continues at step 506.
2~i In step 506, a count of çxtended attributes is set to zçro. In step 508, anFMEA of the directory entry is opened (e.g., extended attribute 120 of DE llOC
in Figure 1). In step 510, the FMEA database header is read to obtain the number of extended attributes m the database (e.g., field 316 of header 210A
wo 95116~41 2 i 7 ~ 7 ~ ~ PCTIUS94/14097 shown in Figure 4). In step 516, a ,check is made to determine if the count of extended attributes is less than the number of extended attributes in the FMEA
database. When decision block 516 returns false (no), execution continues at decision block 512 (described above). When decision block 516 returns true 5 (yes), execution continues at step 518.
In step 518, the FMEA header is read to obtain the number of records in the particular extended attribute (i.e., field 318 of header 210A shown in Figures 3 and 4). In step 520, the name of the extended attribute is output to 10 the user. In step 522, a count of records is set to zero. In decision block 524, a check is made to d~tf~rminP if the coumt of records is less than the number of records in the extended attribute. When decision block 524 returns false (no), execution continues at step 534. In step 534, another extended attribute (FMEA) c<~nt linin~ the FMEA database is obtained. In step 536, the count of extended 15 attributes is incremented. Execution continues at decision block 516. When decision block 524 returns true (yes), execution continues at step 526.
In step 526, a record of the extended attribute (e.g., record 2 of extended attribute 210 shown in Figure 3) is read. In step 528, the name of the record 20 (i.e., field 346 shown in Figures 3 and 4) are output. In step 530, the data of the record (i.e., field 348 shown in Figures 3 and ~) is output to the user. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the name 346 and/or data 348 of the record may require illL~ LdLi~ or other processing. In step 532, the count of records is in~ L~d. Execution contmues at decision block 524.
In this manner, a method for providing a fll~finitit~n, format, and structure of extended attributes for m~n~in& ...-;..I,.;..;..~, and controlling file systems is disclosed.
Claims (16)
1. A method for navigating a database contained in extended attributes of a file system having a plurality of directory entries, comprising the steps of:
(a) reading one of said plurality of directory entries within a file system;
(b) determining whether an extended attribute is associated with said directory entry, and if so, continuing to step (c), and proceeding otherwise to step (i);
(c) examining a first field of said extended attribute, said first field indicating a number of extended attributes associated with said directory entry;
(d) reading from a second field of said extended attribute a number of records stored in said extended attribute;
(e) examining a record of said extended attribute;
(f) incrementing a first counter of examined records of said extended attribute;
(g) comparing the value of said counter of examined records to said number of records stored in said extended attribute;
(h) repeating steps (e) through (g) if the value of said counter of examined records is less than the number of records stored in said extended attribute; and (i) repeating steps (a) through (h) for the remaining of said plurality of directory entries.
(a) reading one of said plurality of directory entries within a file system;
(b) determining whether an extended attribute is associated with said directory entry, and if so, continuing to step (c), and proceeding otherwise to step (i);
(c) examining a first field of said extended attribute, said first field indicating a number of extended attributes associated with said directory entry;
(d) reading from a second field of said extended attribute a number of records stored in said extended attribute;
(e) examining a record of said extended attribute;
(f) incrementing a first counter of examined records of said extended attribute;
(g) comparing the value of said counter of examined records to said number of records stored in said extended attribute;
(h) repeating steps (e) through (g) if the value of said counter of examined records is less than the number of records stored in said extended attribute; and (i) repeating steps (a) through (h) for the remaining of said plurality of directory entries.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said plurality of directory entries comprise entries for files and entries for subdirectories.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of examining a record of said extended attribute comprises:
examining a data of said record;
comparing said data of said record to a record selection criteria specified by a user; and supplying said data of said record to said user if said data meets said criteria.
-15-~
examining a data of said record;
comparing said data of said record to a record selection criteria specified by a user; and supplying said data of said record to said user if said data meets said criteria.
-15-~
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of examining a first field of said extended attribute comprises:
incrementing a counter of extended attributes examined for said first directory entry;
comparing a value of said counter of extended attributes examined to said number of extended attributes associated with said directory entry; and refraining from reading any additional extended attributes associated with said directory entry if said value of said counter of extended attributes examined equals said number of extended attributes.
incrementing a counter of extended attributes examined for said first directory entry;
comparing a value of said counter of extended attributes examined to said number of extended attributes associated with said directory entry; and refraining from reading any additional extended attributes associated with said directory entry if said value of said counter of extended attributes examined equals said number of extended attributes.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of examining a first field of said extended attribute includes the step of examining a header of said extended attribute, said header comprising a data specifying a length of said header.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said header comprises said first field and said second field.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein each of said records in said extended attribute comprises a data specifying a length of said record.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein a beginning of a first record of said extended attribute is determined from said data specifying said length of said header and wherein a beginning of any subsequent record of said extended attribute is determined from said data specifying said length of said first record.
9. A method for reading data from extended attributes associated with directory entries of a file system comprising the steps of:
(a) reading a first directory entry to determine if a first FMEA-compliant extended attribute is associated with said first directory entry;
(b) examining a first field of said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute, said first field indicating a number of FMEA-compliant extended attributes associated with said first directory entry;
(c) examining a second field of said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute, said second field indicating a number of records stored in said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute;
(d) reading a record stored in said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute;
(a) reading a first directory entry to determine if a first FMEA-compliant extended attribute is associated with said first directory entry;
(b) examining a first field of said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute, said first field indicating a number of FMEA-compliant extended attributes associated with said first directory entry;
(c) examining a second field of said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute, said second field indicating a number of records stored in said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute;
(d) reading a record stored in said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute;
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of:
(e) reading the remaining records of said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute.
(e) reading the remaining records of said first FMEA-compliant extended attribute.
11. The method of claim 10 further composing me step or:
(f) examining said second field and reading said records of the remaining FMEA-compliant extended attributes associated with said first directory.
(f) examining said second field and reading said records of the remaining FMEA-compliant extended attributes associated with said first directory.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of:
(g) repeating the steps (a)-(f) for the remaining directory entries of the file system.
(g) repeating the steps (a)-(f) for the remaining directory entries of the file system.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein the step (d) further includes the step of displaying to a user a data stored in said first record.
14. A method for storing a database in extended attributes of a directory entry within a file system comprising the steps of:
associating a plurality of extended attributes with a directory entry of a file system, each of said plurality of extended attributes comprising a first field indicating a number of said plurality of extended attributes associated with said directory entry; and storing an arbitrary number of records of arbitrary content in each of said plurality of extended attributes associated with said directory entry.
associating a plurality of extended attributes with a directory entry of a file system, each of said plurality of extended attributes comprising a first field indicating a number of said plurality of extended attributes associated with said directory entry; and storing an arbitrary number of records of arbitrary content in each of said plurality of extended attributes associated with said directory entry.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said plurality of extended attributes have a name and said step of associating a plurality of extended attributes with a directory entry includes using a predefined text string in said name of said plurality of extended attributes, said text string identifying said plurality of extended attributes as having an FMEA-compliant architecture.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein each of said plurality of extended attributes comprises a second field indicating a number of records stored in each of said plurality of extended attributes.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/165,971 US5499358A (en) | 1993-12-10 | 1993-12-10 | Method for storing a database in extended attributes of a file system |
| US08/165,971 | 1993-12-10 | ||
| PCT/US1994/014097 WO1995016241A1 (en) | 1993-12-10 | 1994-12-07 | Extended attributes file system |
Publications (2)
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|---|---|
| CA2178753A1 CA2178753A1 (en) | 1995-06-15 |
| CA2178753C true CA2178753C (en) | 2000-06-13 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA002178753A Expired - Lifetime CA2178753C (en) | 1993-12-10 | 1994-12-07 | Extended attributes file system |
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|---|---|
| US (2) | US5499358A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0733238B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH09506195A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE164696T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1432095A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2178753C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69409404T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995016241A1 (en) |
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- 1994-12-07 EP EP95905869A patent/EP0733238B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-12-07 DE DE69409404T patent/DE69409404T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-12-07 CA CA002178753A patent/CA2178753C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-12-07 JP JP7516332A patent/JPH09506195A/en active Pending
- 1994-12-07 AT AT95905869T patent/ATE164696T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-12-07 WO PCT/US1994/014097 patent/WO1995016241A1/en active IP Right Grant
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1995
- 1995-06-09 US US08/489,128 patent/US5628007A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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| CN107239712A (en) * | 2016-03-29 | 2017-10-10 | 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 | The hidden method and device of user profile based on application program |
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|---|---|
| EP0733238A1 (en) | 1996-09-25 |
| JPH09506195A (en) | 1997-06-17 |
| CA2178753A1 (en) | 1995-06-15 |
| DE69409404D1 (en) | 1998-05-07 |
| DE69409404T2 (en) | 1998-09-03 |
| AU1432095A (en) | 1995-06-27 |
| US5628007A (en) | 1997-05-06 |
| WO1995016241A1 (en) | 1995-06-15 |
| EP0733238B1 (en) | 1998-04-01 |
| EP0733238A4 (en) | 1997-01-08 |
| ATE164696T1 (en) | 1998-04-15 |
| US5499358A (en) | 1996-03-12 |
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