Inodes are identified by a unique inode number. When you create a file or directory on a web hosting server, the file system allocates an inode to it. The inode then stores the essential information about that file or directory.
Inodes store metadata but not the actual data of the file. Metadata includes details like the file size, ownership permissions, creation time, modification time, and other attributes.
Inodes play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of file systems. By storing metadata separately from the actual data, file systems can manage and access information more rapidly.
Inodes are used during file system checks to identify and correct errors on the disk. The fsck utility scans the file system, checks the integrity of inodes and data blocks, and repairs any inconsistencies.