What is File Allocation Table (FAT)?
File Allocation Table (FAT) is a file system used for storing and accessing files on storage devices, such as hard drives and USB drives. FAT was developed by Microsoft in 1977 and is widely used on many platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems. There are several versions of FAT, including FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32, which offer different features and capabilities.
How does FAT work?
FAT works by creating a table on a storage device that keeps track of the locations of each file on the device. When a file is created or saved to the device, FAT allocates space for the file and adds an entry to the table indicating the location of the file. When a file is accessed, FAT uses the information in the table to locate the file on the device. FAT also includes features such as support for large files and long filenames, as well as basic security measures such as file permissions.
Advantages of FAT
There are several advantages to using FAT for storing and accessing files on storage devices:
- FAT is a widely used and supported file system, with support for the format built into many software programs and operating systems.
- FAT is simple and easy to use, with a straightforward design that makes it easy to access and manage files.
- FAT is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems.
- FAT is highly customizable, with options such as support for large files and long filenames being configurable by the user.
Uses of FAT
FAT is commonly used for storing and accessing files on storage devices, such as hard drives and USB drives, on a variety of platforms. It is also frequently used to create bootable USB drives and other types of removable media.