File limits in Linux?

[dcortez]

Hello,

I working on some very large batches of files which need to stay in a flat directory and I was wondering if anyone can share some feedback regarding number of files limits in a given dir in linux?

I have successfully operated over 100,000 files in a dir in the past and the limits I'm looking at now are closer to 20,000 files per dir.

I know that breaking up large file blocks into subdirs is best, but what do you think - will 20,000 files melt down the box?

How does linux manage directories/files - is it a serial linked list, or something more efficient?

I have no trouble working with these large file blocks on my laptop with XP - I can only imagine that linux must be even better at handling this.

Thanks,
-Dino

[serguei]

I have successfully operated over 100,000 files in a dir in the past and the limits I'm looking at now are closer to 20,000 files per dir.

I know that breaking up large file blocks into subdirs is best, but what do you think - will 20,000 files melt down the box?

I experienced a limit of 32,000 subdirs per directory. I think, the same thing exists with files - 32,000

[sexgayfree]

i think it depends of what filesystem are you using. Google it and you can find hacks that can help you