Open systems file system (QOpenSys)

The QOpenSys file system is compatible with open system standards based on UNIX^®, such as POSIX and X/Open Portability Guide (XPG). Like the "root" (/) file system, this file system takes advantage of the stream file and directory support that is provided by the integrated file system.

In addition, it:

Is accessed through a hierarchical directory structure similar to UNIX systems.
Is optimized for stream file input and output.
Supports multiple hard links and symbolic links.
Supports case-sensitive names.
Supports local sockets.
Supports threadsafe APIs.
Supports *FIFO objects.
Supports the journaling of object changes.
Supports the scanning of objects using the integrated file system scan-related exit points.

The QOpenSys file system has the same characteristics as the "root" (/) file system, except it is case-sensitive to enable support for UNIX-based open systems standards.

Use QOpenSys

QOpenSys can be accessed through the integrated file system interface using either the i5/OS™ file server or the integrated file system commands, user displays, and APIs.

Case-sensitivity in the QOpenSys file system
Unlike the "root" (/) file system, the QOpenSys file system distinguishes between uppercase or lowercase when searching for object names.
Path names in the QOpenSys file system
Path names have specific form in the QOpenSys file system.
Links in the QOpenSys file system
Multiple hard links to the same object are allowed in the QOpenSys file system. Symbolic links are fully supported.
Use integrated file system commands and displays in the QOpenSys file system
All of the commands that are listed in Access using CL commands and the displays that are described in Access using menus and displays can operate on the QOpenSys file system. However, it may not be safe to use these commands in a multi-thread capable process.
Use integrated file system APIs in the QOpenSys file system
All the APIs listed in Perform operations using APIs topic can operate on the QOpenSys file system.
Journal object changes in the QOpenSys file system
Objects in the QOpenSys file system can be journaled. This function enables you to recover the changes to an object that have occurred since the object was last saved.

Parent topic: Work with file systems

Related concepts

Provided directories