Block Storage
Block storage is a data storage technology that manages data as fixed-sized blocks, each with a unique address, allowing for direct access and efficient storage of structured data like databases and virtual machine disks. It operates at the hardware level, providing raw storage volumes that can be formatted with file systems by operating systems. This approach offers high performance and low latency, making it ideal for applications requiring frequent read/write operations.
Developers should learn and use block storage when building applications that demand high-performance, low-latency data access, such as databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), virtual machines, or enterprise applications. It is essential in cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS EBS, Azure Disk Storage) for scalable and reliable storage solutions, and for scenarios where data needs to be managed at the block level for optimization or backup purposes.