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Abstract

Methods for sharing a file while maintaining consistency among instances of the file managed by a file system are disclosed. One exemplary method includes associating a file consistency protocol with an operating system (O/S). The file consistency protocol maintains file consistency between instances of the file associated with the file system using a set of file consistency protocol bits. The method then includes opening an instance of the file in a shared mode by setting a shared bit in the set of file consistency protocol bits associated with the file. A determination is then made as to the existence of another instance of the file. A shared bit the set of file consistency protocol bits associated with the another file is then set. In accordance with the method, a modification is made to the contents (e.g., data or attributes) of the instance of the file. A modified bit is then set in the set of file consistency protocol bits of the instance of the file. The modified bit is indicative of the modified contents, and an invalid bit is set in the set of file consistency protocol bits of the another file. The invalid bit is indicative of the modified contents of the instance of the file.

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First Claim