What is a file system?

A file system is fundamentally a method used to store, retrieve, and organize files on a storage device. It provides a structure that allows users and operating systems to create, read, and manage files efficiently. This system ensures that files are stored in a way that allows for easy access and organization, typically through directories and subdirectories.

For instance, when you save a document, the file system determines how that document is stored on the disk, manages the location, and keeps track of metadata like file names and creation dates. Different file systems, such as NTFS or FAT32, have unique ways of organizing data and providing access, but their core function remains the same: to facilitate the handling of files on a computer.

Understanding this concept is crucial as it relates directly to how data is managed on all types of computing devices, impacting everything from user interactions to application functionality.