Disk scheduling at compile time

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a simple algorithm* for allocating program files on a disk with a moving head. The algorithm tries to place a file on consecutive pages (but will scatter them somewhat if necessary). It then rearranges these pages to minimize the rotational delay during a sequential scan of the file. This method combines the best features of consecutive and non‐consecutive allocation: fast sequential access and fast allocation. It is used in the Solo operating system to reduce program loading time by a factor of 3.