What are two critical metrics to monitor in file systems?

Throughput and latency are indeed critical metrics to monitor in file systems, especially in the context of high-performance computing and big data environments. Throughput refers to the amount of data that can be processed or transferred within a given time frame, which is essential for understanding the system's performance and its ability to handle large data workloads efficiently. High throughput ensures that data transfers occur smoothly and swiftly, minimizing bottlenecks and enabling faster data processing.

Latency, on the other hand, measures the time it takes for a system to respond to a request or for a data operation to complete. Low latency is crucial for applications that require real-time data access and processing, as it significantly affects the user experience and overall system performance. High latency can lead to delays and inefficiencies, negatively impacting workflows, especially in environments where rapid data retrieval and processing are necessary.

Monitoring these two metrics helps system administrators and engineers optimize file systems to achieve better performance, especially under heavy load conditions commonly seen in HPC and big data applications. By ensuring high throughput and low latency, organizations can significantly enhance their data processing capabilities and overall system efficiency.