FamFS: A Revolutionary File System for the Future
Get ready to revolutionize your Linux experience with FamFS, a cutting-edge file system designed to tackle the challenges of fabric-attached memory (FAM) needs. Developed by Micron, FamFS is set to make waves in the tech world, with its potential to go upstream for Linux in early 2026.
For the past two years, Micron has been hard at work on FamFS, a specialized file system tailored for FAM-specific requirements, particularly in CXL servers. The project has made significant progress, with FamFS recently being ported to FUSE, allowing it to operate largely in user-space. However, some kernel changes are still in the works.
John Groves, a representative from Micron and a member of the CXL Software & Systems working group, presented on FamFS at the Linux Plumbers Conference in Tokyo, Japan. The conference showcased the project's progress and its potential impact on the Linux community.
The team's goal is ambitious: to have FamFS integrated into the Linux kernel by early 2026. As of Linux 6.18, the FamFS patches are fully functional, and the project is on track to meet this deadline. It's important to note that FamFS is not a general-purpose file system; it's specifically designed for fabric-attached memory.
Looking ahead, FamFS has an exciting roadmap with features like interleaved file support, software-based cache coherency, and pNFS integration. These enhancements will further solidify FamFS's position as a game-changer in the file system landscape.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of FamFS, the PDF slide deck from LPC2025 (https://lpc.events/event/19/contributions/2178/attachments/1843/4003/famfs-lpc-2025.pdf) is a treasure trove of information. Stay tuned as FamFS prepares to make a splash in the Linux community, offering a glimpse into the future of file system technology.
