Extended Attributes

Extended Attributes (EAs) are additional metadata that can be associated with files and directories in a computer's file system. Unlike standard attributes like name and size, EAs can store extra information such as security data, user-defined tags, or comments. Think of them as digital post-it notes attached to files, providing more context or useful details without changing the file itself. They enhance the way files are managed and organized, allowing for greater flexibility in how information is stored and retrieved.