sparse files

When dealing with file storage and management in Linux, one interesting, yet not widely understood concept is that of "sparse files". Sparse files can be a powerful tool for users and administrators alike, providing efficient storage solutions, but they require a nuanced understanding to use them effectively. In this article, we will explore what sparse files are, why they are useful, and how you can create, manipulate, and detect them on a Linux system. A sparse file is a type of computer file that attempts to use disk space more efficiently when the file itself contains empty blocks or blocks filled with zeros. These stretches of zeroes are not actually written on the disk.