File allocation table
A file allocation table (or FAT) is a way that computers look up stored data on a storage device like a floppy disk, cdrom, or hard drive. A FAT is a list of filenames, or entries, that point the computer to the physical location of the file's data.[1] The FAT file system is a legacy file system that is both is simple and robust.[2] It works well even in lightweight uses. But it cannot deliver the same speed, reliability and scalability as some modern file systems. It is, however, supported for compatibility reasons by nearly all currently developed operating systems for personal computers. It is also supported by many mobile devices and embedded systems. That makes it a well suited format for data exchange between computers and devices of almost any type and age from 1981 up to the present.
History
It was originally designed in 1977 for use on floppy disks. FAT was soon adapted and used almost universally on hard disks throughout the DOS and Windows 9x eras for two decades.[3] As disk drives improved, the capabilities of the file system have been extended accordingly. This has resulted in three major file system variants: FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32. The FAT standard has also been expanded in other ways while generally preserving backward compatibility with existing software.
With the introduction of more powerful computers and operating systems FAT is no longer the default file system for use on Microsoft Windows computers.[4]
Modern use
Today, FAT file systems are still commonly found on floppy disks, USB sticks, flash and other solid-state memory cards. DCF uses FAT as the standard file system for digital cameras. FAT is also utilized in the boot stage of EFI-compliant computers.
References
- ↑ "FAT". Retrieved 3 January 2016.
- ↑ "FAT File System (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)". Microsoft. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 2013-07-07.
- ↑ "A brief introduction to FAT (File Allocation Table) formats | Wizcode's articles | HowTos, Guides, Hints and Tips, Articles". www.wizcode.com. Retrieved 2015-09-24.
- ↑ "Comparing NTFS and FAT file systems". Microsoft. Retrieved 2014-01-27.