1. High Level Overview of File Deletion in Linux
File Delete
High Level Overview of File Deletion in Linux
Lakshmipathi.G

2. We have a directory called Linux.
There are used blocks (22,...,25)
and free blocks in the system.(44,...,47)
Linux 45 46 44 47
Hard Disk
Blocks which are free 22 23 24
Hard Disk
Blocks which has data 25

3. A new file giis.txt is created
and it gets free block 44 and uses it
Content of this file is “tools”
giis.txt
Linux 45 46 47
tools
Hard Disk
Blocks which are free 44 22 23 24
Hard Disk
Blocks which has data 25

4. When the file is deleted,using command rm giis.txt
and its block added to free blocks list
the entry is removed from directory
giis.txt
Linux 45 46
tools 47
Hard Disk
Blocks which are free 44 22 23 24
Hard Disk
Blocks which has data 25

5. Even though,the block is added to free list,note that it's content is not deleted.The block 44 can be used, by any newly created file,so the older content remains until content of another new file overwrites block 44.
giis.txt
Linux 45 46
tools 47
Hard Disk
Blocks which are free 44 22 23 24
Hard Disk
Blocks which has data 25

6. So Remember ,whenever you delete a file only the link is removed
from the directory. File contents remains in disk until the free block
is re-used by new file.

7. Thanks for Watching !!!