Dec 13, 2024; Defence
Echtzeit-AGA File-System Visualization Tool for Educational Purposes
Unix file systems are a core component of modern computing, responsible for organizing, storing, and managing data on Unix-based operating systems. These file systems use a hierarchical structure with inodes, datablocks, and a superblock, which together facilitate efficient data access and management. Teaching Unix file systems, however, can be challenging due to their abstract nature and the technical depth required to fully understand their workings. Traditional educational tools, such as command-line simulators, textbooks, and lecture slides, provide valuable theoretical knowledge but often fail to offer interactive, visual experiences that are essential for students to grasp the complexity of file system operations. As a result, many students find it difficult to connect the conceptual framework with practical applications.
This thesis introduces a web-based visualization tool designed specifically to aid in the teaching of Unix file systems. The tool simulates the core components of the Unix file system and provides multiple views to accommodate different levels of abstraction. Users can explore the file system through Block View, which visualizes the relationships between inodes, datablocks, and the superblock; Tree View, which represents the file hierarchy in a structured format; and User View, which simulates the typical file explorer perspective for an intuitive user experience. By offering these different perspectives, the tool allows users to observe how file system operations, such as file creation, deletion, and data writing, affect the underlying structure.
The architecture chosen for this tool ensures that it is flexible, interactive, and easy to extend. This tool fills a notable gap in the educational landscape, bridging the disconnect between theoretical instruction and hands-on learning, ultimately enhancing students’ understanding of Unix file systems. Through this visualization tool, professors can help students develop a more intuitive grasp of the complex internal workings of file systems, leading to better learning outcomes.
(Master thesis defense)