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Article #284Re: Formalizing location and distance in file retrieval systems
From: Steve Pitchers
Date: Wed, 08 Aug 1990 09:54
Date: Wed, 08 Aug 1990 09:54
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Actually, the Unix filesystem is more than just a hierarchical tree. Any file can be linked to any other, using either a hard link or a soft link - see 'man ln'. A file may belong to more than one directory, which would really cause havoc with the notion of 'distance'. The 'distance' to a file will vary depending on the route you take. The super-user can even forge multiple hard links to directories - completely breaking the illusion of a hierarchical tree. The resulting potentional for confusion explians why this is restricted to being a super-user privilege! On the positive side, the existence of alternative routes to files can make it much easier to locate information than if a 'hierarchical menu' approach has been used. Taking the 'wrong path' can still lead to the correct information, as alternative opinions on the classification of the information can be catered for. Steve --- pitchers@prl.philips.co.uk ~~~
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Path: arc1-ca.pugleaf.net!utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!clyde.concordia.ca!uunet!mcsun!ukc!strath-cs!prlhp1!pitchers From: pitchers@prlhp1.prl.philips.co.uk (Steve Pitchers) Newsgroups: comp.cog-eng,sci.math Subject: Re: Formalizing location and distance in file retrieval systems Summary: Unix filesystem is not a hierarchical tree. Message-ID: <1129@prlhp1.prl.philips.co.uk> Date: 8 Aug 90 09:54:14 GMT References: <1801@nvuxr.UUCP> Reply-To: pitchers@prlhp1.UUCP (Steve Pitchers) Organization: Philips Research Laboratories, Redhill, UK Lines: 22