Description: Block allocation is a fundamental process in storage management that involves distributing blocks of disk space to files or data. Each block represents a unit of storage, and its size can vary depending on the file system or storage system used. This process is essential for optimizing disk space usage, as it allows operating systems and applications to efficiently manage data reading and writing. In the context of storage management, block allocation is carried out through algorithms that determine how blocks are distributed across physical storage, ensuring that data is stored either contiguously or scattered as needed. Block allocation also plays a crucial role in distributed systems, where storage management is performed in a scalable and resilient manner, allowing multiple nodes to collaborate in the allocation and retrieval of data blocks. In summary, block allocation is a key component in storage architecture that directly impacts the performance and efficiency of computing systems.
