Disk-Based Storage
Disk-based storage refers to data storage systems that use physical disk drives, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), to persistently store and retrieve digital information. It provides non-volatile storage, meaning data is retained even when power is off, and is a fundamental component of computing systems for long-term data retention. This contrasts with in-memory storage, which is volatile and faster but loses data on power loss.
Developers should understand disk-based storage when building applications that require persistent data storage, such as databases, file systems, or backup solutions, as it ensures data durability across system restarts. It is essential for handling large datasets that exceed available RAM, enabling cost-effective storage for logs, media files, and user data in web servers, enterprise software, and cloud infrastructure. Knowledge of disk I/O performance, file systems, and storage technologies helps optimize data access patterns and system reliability.