FSCK is an acronym for "File System Consistency Check" or commonly referred to as "File System Check." It is a software utility used to verify and repair the integrity of a computer's file system. FSCK is primarily employed in Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, and BSD.
The purpose of FSCK is to analyze the file system structure, identify any inconsistencies, and attempt to repair them. It scans the data structures of the file system, including directories, metadata, and file allocation tables, to ensure that they are organized correctly. FSCK verifies the linkages between files and their associated data, as well as checks for missing or incorrect information due to hardware failures, power outages, or improper shutdowns.
When a computer undergoes an unexpected shutdown or experiences other issues, it may lead to file system errors, corruption, or improper data storage. In such cases, running FSCK allows the system to automatically correct errors, reclaim lost data, and restore the file system to a consistent state. FSCK can be activated during system startup by the operating system or launched manually by a system administrator.
Overall, FSCK acts as a crucial maintenance tool that helps ensure the reliability, stability, and recoverability of a computer's file system by assessing and fixing any inconsistencies or errors that may be present.
