Question

Why do some systems keep track of the type of a file, while still others leave it to the user and others simply do not implement multiple file type? Which systems is "better?"

Answer 1

1) Some systems allow different file operations based on the type of the file .Other systems leave such interpretation of a file’s data to the process and provide no help in accessing the data.

2)The method that is “better” depends on the needs of the processes on the system, and the demands the users place on the operating system. If a system runs mostly database applications, it may be more efficient for the operating system to implement a database type file and provide operations, rather than making each program implement the same thing . For general purpose systems it may be better to only implement basic file types to keep the operating system size smaller and allow maximum freedom to the processes on the system