File
Definition
A collection of data stored on a computer with a specific name and format. Like a digital document, photo, or song that you can save and organize.
Use Cases
- Netflix: Storing and distributing media assets (video files, artwork, subtitles) across production and delivery workflows — Uses Amazon S3 object storage for large-scale storage of media assets and related files, integrated with processing pipelines and content delivery (Highly durable, scalable storage for massive libraries of content, enabling reliable global distribution and efficient media processing)
- Dropbox: Syncing user files (documents, photos, and other personal/work files) across devices — Built a large-scale storage backend (including its own infrastructure) to store, version, and synchronize files, with clients that upload/download changes and resolve conflicts (Fast cross-device access and sharing, with version history and collaboration features that support millions of users)
Provider Equivalents
- AWS: Amazon Elastic File System (EFS)
- Azure: Azure Files
- GCP: Google Cloud Filestore
- OCI: OCI File Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between a file and an object (object storage)?
- A file is accessed through a file system using folders/paths (for example, /photos/2026/img001.jpg) and common file operations like open, read, write, and lock. An object is stored as a single item in object storage (like a "blob") and is typically accessed via an API using a key (name) and metadata. File storage is often better for shared file systems and apps expecting POSIX/NFS/SMB behavior; object storage is often better for massive scale, backups, logs, and media libraries.
- When should I use file storage in the cloud?
- Use cloud file storage when you need shared access to the same files from multiple servers or users, or when an application expects a mounted drive (NFS/SMB). Common cases include shared web content, user home directories, content management systems, lift-and-shift enterprise apps, and build/CI artifacts that need a shared filesystem.
- How much does cloud file storage cost?
- Costs usually depend on (1) how many GB/TB you store, (2) how often you access/read/write files (throughput and IOPS), (3) snapshots/backups, and (4) data transfer (especially across regions). Pricing varies by provider and service tier (for example, performance vs. infrequent access). To estimate, start with expected storage size and access pattern, then use the provider’s pricing calculator for the specific file service (EFS, Azure Files, Filestore, or OCI File Storage).
Category: data
Difficulty: basic
Related Terms
See Also