Why files exist
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Fri 29th Jun 2012 22:55 UTC
OSNews, Generic OSes "Whenever there is a conversation about the future of computing, is discussion inevitably turns to the notion of a 'File'. After all, most tablets and phones don't show the user anything that resembles a file, only Apps that contain their own content, tucked away inside their own opaque storage structure. This is wrong. Files are abstraction layers around content that are necessary for interoperability. Without the notion of a File or other similar shared content abstraction, the ability to use different applications with the same information grinds to a halt, which hampers innovation and user experience." Aside from the fact that a file manager for Android is just a click away, and aside from the fact that Android's share menu addresses many of these concerns, his point still stands: files are not an outdated, archaic concept. One of my biggest gripes with iOS is just how user-hostile the operating system it when it comes to getting stuff - whatever stuff - to and from the device.
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Turing Machines do not have files
by olafg on Sat 30th Jun 2012 12:24 UTC
olafg
Member since:
2010-05-27

Hence... Files are not fundamental to computing.

I only care about files when I write makefiles. But thats because the tools are oldfashioned. The IDE and compiler should be more integrated. Files should not exist, only semantic constructs stored in a DB. This is necessary for efficient incremental compilation anyway

With 64 bit address space and SSD the unix filesystem has become obsolete. The APPS should provide services that let you pull out resouces and keep the device synced with cloud storage.

The filesystem is going away... But that will take many decades.

Reply Score: 1

Gullible Jones Member since:
2006-05-23

And what happens when you want to back up your data? There's An App For That? Or do you expect everyone to leave their, err, contents on offshore server farms?

Reply Parent Score: 3

zlynx Member since:
2005-07-20

So, instead of dragging a folder that contains all of my email to another system or to a backup device, I have to write a custom application in command-line shell to extract my email from an app? Each email app no doubt using their very own extra-special DBUS or COM function interface?

And that is assuming that they bothered to document their DBUS functions. Which they often don't.

I have exactly these complaints about Evolution on Gnome. But at least Evolution still saves email in text-based files, in directories.

Reply Parent Score: 2

olafg Member since:
2010-05-27

Well, we have to think about what is acceptable to average-joes. They trust the cloud. No backup neccessary with high replication datastores... Though in the first decades you'll probably be able to get db dumps. Lack of documentation did not limit the popularity of MS Word doc-format. Trends are run by the masses, they are quite happy if it looks like it is working most of the time.

I also dont think mass-storage and high perormance computing will be available to most of us. It is going to stay in the cloud where proper cooling is available for 3d chip designs and where there is volume. Home computing devices are going to become more and more like web browsers, they cache data...

Reply Parent Score: 1