Memory Technology Device: Difference between revisions

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'''Memory technology devices''' (MTD) are a new type of [[device file system#Devices|device file]] in [[Linux]] for interacting with [[flash memory]], similar to [[Flash Translation Layer]]. The MTD subsystem was created to provide an [[abstraction layer]] between the hardware-specific device drivers and higher-level applications. Although character and block device files already existed, their semantics don't map well to the way that flash memory devices operate.

[[USB stick]]s, [[MultiMediaCard|MMC]]s, [[Secure Digital|SD]]s, [[CompactFlash]]es and other popular removable devices should not be confused with MTDs. Although they contain flash memory, this is hidden behind a [[block device]] interface using a [[Flash Translation Layer]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.linux-mtd.infradead.org/doc/general.html#L_overview | title=Memory Technology Device Overview | accessdate=1 September 2012}}</ref>

To make use of a MTD it is recommended to use a MTD aware file system such as [[JFFS2]] or [[YAFFS]]. The MTD subsystem exports block devices too, which allow to use common filesystem like ext4. But using a MTD this way is not recommended since there is no detection of bad blocks neither any kind of wear leveling.

== External links ==