The 37th IPP Symposium

ZFS: Developing a Next-Generation File System

Matthew Ahrens '01 and Eric Schrock '03, Sun Microsystems

The long history of file systems in modern operating systems is a both a blessing and a curse. The interfaces and constraints are well understood, and yet most file systems still operate under outdated assumptions that stifle innovation and relegate the file system to an important but uninteresting commodity.

The Solaris ZFS file system takes a fresh look at the world of local file systems, providing unique reliability, scalability, and manageability. This talk discusses the evolution of ZFS, including how and why decisions were made, underlying design principles, and the challenges faced when developing a file system within the constraints of a complex operating system.