Can ext3 reuse inodes?

[SchnappiJedi]

Ext3 (default file system for Ubuntu) creates a set number of inodes during install. Can these inodes be reused when a file is deleted?

[Bashing-om]

schnappi2; Hi !

Short answer is yes, then the "inode" is available for the next file allocation.
You are correct in that there is a limited number of inodes. When all the inodes are used, the system can do not more until some files are deleted.

many many little files

not a good ting

[SchnappiJedi]

Great! To clarify. Say inode #: 12047 is used. If the file associated with it is deleted inode #: 12047 can be reused.

Correct? Just want to make sure I understand you correctly.

[Bashing-om]

schnappi2; Morning !

That is correct, the inode then becomes "unlinked" and thus becomes reusable.

just try'n to help

[tgalati4]

Some reading:

http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/linux-s...erblock-inode/

http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/how-do-...2-file-system/

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2...mber-of-inodes

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...-table-694242/

[SchnappiJedi]

Thanks.

[Bashing-om]

schnappi2; Hey ,

No problem;

we are all

here to help