NAS
NAS (Network-Attached Storage) is a dedicated file storage device that provides centralized data access to multiple users and client devices over a network, typically using standard Ethernet connections. It operates as an independent network node with its own IP address and is designed for easy file sharing, data backup, and media streaming across local networks or the internet. NAS devices often run specialized operating systems like FreeNAS or Synology DSM, offering features such as RAID configurations, remote access, and application hosting.
Developers should learn and use NAS for scenarios requiring centralized, scalable, and reliable storage solutions in development environments, small to medium businesses, or home labs. It is particularly useful for collaborative projects where multiple team members need shared access to code repositories, build artifacts, or test data, as well as for backing up critical development work and hosting lightweight applications or databases locally. NAS also supports virtualization and containerization workflows by providing network storage for VM images or Docker volumes.