Plokksalvestus

Plokksalvestus, also known as block storage, is a method of data storage where information is managed and transmitted in fixed-size chunks called blocks. Each block is addressed independently, allowing for direct access to specific pieces of data. This contrasts with file storage, which organizes data into files and directories, and object storage, which treats data as discrete units called objects with associated metadata.

In a block storage system, data is typically presented to an operating system as a raw storage device, such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The operating system then formats this raw space with a file system to manage the blocks and organize them into files and directories. This low-level access makes block storage highly efficient for applications that require high performance and granular control over data. Examples include databases, virtual machine disks, and high-performance computing applications.

The primary advantage of block storage lies in its speed and flexibility. Because each block is individually addressable, data can be read from or written to any block without needing to process the entire file or a preceding sequence of data. This direct access capability is crucial for transactional workloads where quick retrieval and modification of specific data points are essential. Block storage solutions can be implemented using various technologies, including traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and networked storage systems like Storage Area Networks (SANs).