Non-blocking writes to file data

Abstract

Techniques and systems are disclosed for implementing non-blocking writes to eliminate the fetch-before-write requirement by creating an in-memory patch for the updated page and unblocking the calling process. Non-blocking writes eliminate such blocking by buffering the written data elsewhere in memory and unblocking the writing process immediately. Subsequent reads to the updated page locations are also made non-blocking and, in some cases, can be eliminated when the read request can be serviced from in-memory patches. Implementation scenarios can include an operating system (OS) enhancement, revision to an existing OS component (e.g., the OS kernel), special OS component, or enhancement to the software or firmware of the controller software or microcontroller of a storage device or array of storage devices.