Ext4 and XFS are two different file systems used for storing and organizing files on a storage device like a hard drive or solid-state drive. They have some similarities and differences, as explained below:
• Ext4 is the fourth extended file system, and it is the default file system used in most Linux distributions. XFS is a file system that was created by Silicon Graphics in 1993, and it is the default file system used in RHEL-based distributions.
• Ext4 is optimized for general-purpose use, with a focus on security and compatibility. XFS is optimized for large file transfers and parallel I/O operations, with a focus on performance and scalability.
• Ext4 supports a maximum file size of 16 TiB and a maximum volume size of 50 TiB. XFS supports a maximum file size of 8 EiB and a maximum volume size of 500 TiB. This means that XFS can handle larger files and volumes than Ext4.
• Ext4 supports advanced file and directory-level permissions, such as access control lists (ACLs) and extended attributes (EAs). XFS does not support these features, which may limit its security and flexibility.
• Ext4 uses a journaling system to prevent data loss in case of a crash or power failure. XFS also uses a journaling system, but it is more advanced and efficient than Ext4’s.
• Ext4 performs faster filesystem checks than XFS, which can save time and resources. XFS performs slower filesystem checks than Ext4, which can cause delays and inconvenience.
• Ext4 is more widely supported and compatible than XFS, and it can be mounted as Ext3 or Ext2. XFS is less supported and compatible than Ext4, and it may not work with some operating systems or devices.
These are some of the main differences between Ext4 and XFS. Depending on your use case and requirements, you may prefer one file system over the other.