Patent attributes
An extended attribute data page includes extended attribute information about a number of files. The page is divided into areas, each area corresponding to a different file. A given area is further divided into a number of lines containing information about the extended attribute data. Areas include bitmaps indicating available space in the data space and address information for addressing off-page data areas. A directory is included of data types stored in the data area, and additional lines store extended attribute data. The extended attribute directory maintains a list of data types currently stored and related information. Including availability information about each line along with addresses to areas storing extended attribute data enables the extended attribute manager to efficiently determine where to place extended attribute data, mark deleted lines as being available, retrieve data being requested by a process, and modify the contents of a given extended attribute data type.
