inodek

An inodek is a type of digital artifact or data structure commonly found in Unix-like file systems. The term itself is a portmanteau, combining "inode" and "index," hinting at its function. Essentially, an inodek serves as a pointer or a reference to an actual inode, which in turn contains metadata about a file or directory. This metadata includes information such as file permissions, ownership, timestamps, and crucially, the disk block locations where the file's data is stored.

The primary purpose of an inodek is to facilitate efficient file system operations. When a program needs to access a file, the file system first locates the inodek associated with that file. The inodek then directs the system to the correct inode, and from there, the file's data can be read or written. This layered approach allows for quick lookups and management of files within the file system structure. Inodes themselves are stored in a dedicated area of the disk, and inodeks are often found in directories, linking directory entries to their corresponding inodes. This structure is fundamental to how Unix-like operating systems organize and interact with data on storage devices, ensuring speed and reliability in file access.