Flash Translation Layer

The Flash Translation Layer (FTL) is a software component inside a solid-state drive (SSD) that manages how data is stored and retrieved on flash memory. Because flash memory has limitations—like writing only to empty areas and needing data to be erased before rewriting—the FTL acts as a translator. It maps logical data addresses from the computer to physical locations on the SSD, organizing the data efficiently, handling wear leveling to extend lifespan, and ensuring fast, reliable performance. Essentially, it makes the complex process of managing flash memory transparent to the user and the operating system.