Programming Filesystems with FUSE

"Programming Filesystems with FUSE" is a comprehensive and authoritative guide for software engineers, system architects, and enthusiasts seeking to master the art and science of user-space filesystem development. Beginning with a thorough exploration of traditional and modern filesystem architectures, the book systematically introduces the Filesystem in Userspace (FUSE) interface, examining its purpose, strengths, limitations, and the unique position it occupies between user-space and kernel-space. Readers are provided with an in-depth understanding of core concepts, security models, and performance trade-offs essential for building robust, secure, and efficient filesystems.

Through practical, hands-on chapters, the book delves into the technical intricacies of FUSE programming-from setting up diverse development environments to implementing key filesystem operations and advanced features like metadata management, file locking, overlays, and transparent encryption. Coverage extends to integrating filesystems with cloud APIs, databases, and distributed architectures, equipping readers to develop scalable storage solutions attuned to modern infrastructure needs. Each topic is richly illustrated with best practices, real-world use cases, and guidance on debugging, profiling, testing, and maintaining FUSE-based filesystems across varied operating systems.

Completing the journey, "Programming Filesystems with FUSE" addresses operational concerns critical for production deployments, including packaging, monitoring, system integration, high availability strategies, and forensic readiness. Drawing from industry case studies and emerging trends, the book provides invaluable insights for deploying filesystems at scale and adapting to evolving technology landscapes. Whether you are building a custom storage backend, experimenting with novel filesystem paradigms, or optimizing data workflows, this book stands as an essential, up-to-date resource for user-space filesystem development with FUSE.