Google File System (GFS)

Google File System (GFS) is a specialized storage system designed to handle large amounts of data across many computers. It breaks files into smaller chunks called blocks, which are stored on multiple machines to ensure speed, reliability, and fault tolerance. GFS manages these blocks efficiently, allowing concurrent access and seamless recovery if a machine fails. This system underpins Google's ability to process vast data sets quickly and reliably, supporting services like search, ads, and cloud storage. In essence, GFS is a custom-built, resilient infrastructure for scalable, high-performance data storage.