Description: Data fragmentation refers to the condition of a storage medium where data is not stored in contiguous blocks, which can affect performance and efficiency in accessing information. This phenomenon occurs when files are created, modified, and deleted dynamically, causing fragments of the same file to be distributed across different locations on the disk. Fragmentation can be internal, when there is unused space within a block, or external, when data blocks are scattered. Data fragmentation is a common issue in various storage systems and can lead to longer access times, as the operating system must search multiple locations to retrieve a complete file. Proper management of fragmentation is crucial to maintaining optimal performance in storage systems and ensuring that data is accessible quickly and efficiently.
