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Kernel Extensions and Device Support Programming Concepts

Virtual File System (VFS) Kernel Services

The Virtual File System (VFS) kernel services are provided as fundamental building blocks for use when writing a virtual file system . These services present a standard interface for such functions as configuring file systems, creating and freeing v-nodes, and looking up path names.

Most functions involved in the writing of a file system are specific to that file system type. But a limited number of functions must be performed in a consistent manner across the various file system types to enable the logical file system to operate independently of the file system type.

The VFS kernel services are:

common_relock Implements a generic interface to the byte range locking functions.
fidtovp Maps a file system structure to a file ID.
gfsadd Adds a file system type to the gfs table.
gfsdel Removes a file system type from the gfs table.
vfs_hold Holds a vfs structure and increments the structure's use count.
vfs_unhold Releases a vfs structure and decrements the structure's use count.
vfsrele Releases all resources associated with a virtual file system.
vfs_search Searches the vfs list.
vn_free Frees a v-node previously allocated by the vn_get kernel service.
vn_get Allocates a virtual node and associates it with the designated virtual file system.
lookupvp Retrieves the v-node that corresponds to the named path.

Related Information

Understanding the Virtual File System Interface.


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