Filesets

Filesets are a logical grouping of files treated as a single unit for management. They are used in software distributions to deliver, install, update, or remove related components together. A fileset typically corresponds to a component, feature, or module within a package and is described by metadata such as name, version, description, and a manifest listing included files.

In packaging ecosystems such as IBM AIX and other Unix-like systems, the fileset is the granularity managed by the package system. Installing a fileset adds its files to the file system; upgrades replace or augment existing files; removing a fileset deletes its files that are not required by other installed components. The system tracks dependencies and resolves conflicts between filesets; installation scripts may run at install, update, or removal.

In backup and replication contexts, a fileset can refer to a curated set of files chosen for copying, archiving, or synchronizing. This usage is common in enterprise backup software and can be defined by include/exclude rules or tags, enabling selective restores.

Different platforms may use different terminology; some use “package” or “module” instead of fileset, but the core idea is the same: a coordinated collection of files managed as a unit. The concept intersects with package management, manifests, dependencies, rollback mechanisms, and data protection tooling.